What you need to know
- Earlier in the year, Microsoft revealed three new Xbox Series X|S console editions.
- The headline act is the Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition, which removes the disc drive for a slight MSRP saving.
- There’s also a Galaxy Black sparkly console with 2TB of storage, and a new 1TB Xbox Series S.
- Availability will vary by region, but the consoles are generally available today in Microsoft’s main markets.
As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that this year’s Xbox Series X|S offerings leave me a bit underwhelmed, especially when compared to the rumored PS5 Pro.
Currently, the Xbox Series X|S gaming consoles are available for purchase in certain areas, and we’ve had a chance to test out at least one of these new models.
At the Xbox Showcase held in June, Microsoft introduced a few modifications to their existing hardware collection. The fresh consoles share almost the same features as their previous versions, but they now offer updated storage and color choices.
The main attraction is the digital edition of the Xbox Series X with 1TB storage, which forgoes the disc drive, giving you a $50 discount compared to its standard counterpart. If you’re looking for some extra bling and additional storage space, the 2TB Galaxy Black Edition might catch your eye with its glittery accents and ample room for pre-installed games like Dragon Age Veilguard (which require around 100 GB). Furthermore, there’s a fresh 1TB model of the Xbox Series S, similarly disc-less, that also commands a premium.
Although most users may not notice or value it, there are some refined alterations in the latest Xbox Series X versions. These modifications include a redesigned motherboard equipped with a novel cooling system and a reduced SoC size (System on Chip) to 6 nanometers.
For the end user, the difference will be unnoticeable, but for Microsoft’s so-called climate pledges, shaving just a few watts off millions of console endpoints will reduce their overall carbon footprint on their promise to obtain “net zero” carbon neutrality. The new consoles also have a new modular unboxing experience, which essentially falls apart like Lego when opened, with minimal single-use plastics involved. The console itself is wrapped in a fabric material this time around, rather than a polymer sheath as it was previously. The focus on sustainability is a nice touch, but just make sure you don’t look at the headlines about the amount of electricity Microsoft’s AI binge is generating.
It’s worth mentioning that the Xbox Series X Digital Edition and Galaxy Black Editions might be hard to find everywhere due to their initial focus on supplying them in major markets like the US and UK. This could suggest strong anticipated sales for these models.
A relatively uninspired holiday offering, considering the PS5 Pro
Earlier, Microsoft was considering a mid-generation enhancement for the Xbox Series X|S series, which was referred to as the Xbox Brooklin console. This wouldn’t have provided PS5 Pro-like performance enhancements, but it would have included forward-looking features such as Bluetooth support. Since Bluetooth technology is something that Microsoft might want to explore for its platform if they are indeed developing an Xbox handheld device, it was a potential step in that direction. However, these plans did not materialize this time.
Apart from some modifications in the procedure and changes in packaging, there’s not much to talk about that’s fresh here. It’s somewhat disheartening that there hasn’t been much hardware innovation coming from Xbox recently. During the Xbox One era, we saw a steady stream of controller updates, console redesigns, and new features being introduced at a rapid rate. However, it’s questionable whether something similar to the PS5 Pro would significantly boost Xbox’s struggling hardware sales.
Starting next month, Xbox subscribers of Xbox Cloud Gaming can bring their own games. Additionally, an Xbox Partner Preview event is scheduled for this week. However, the new Xbox hardware unveiled this year fails to generate much excitement.
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2024-10-15 19:39