The digital Xbox Series X, whichleaked last year, is reportedly releasing this Summer at a lower price point than the standard model.
News outleteXputerwas sent alleged photos of the console, showing a very similar design to the current Series X, albeit in white and without a disc drive. That being said, it does have some improvements to its internal components such as the heatsink.
The leaked internal documents from last year detailing the Xbox Series X controversially called this model “adorably all digital”.
We also know that Microsoft planned for the console to have more internal storage, faster Wi-Fi, reduced power, and a “more immersive controller” codenamed “Sebile”. In the FTC documents from the Activision Blizzard King acquisition case, it was revealed that this new and updated controller will work with Bluetooth and direct-to-cloud. Microsoft also planned for it to have VCA haptics that “double as speakers”. No images of the controller have been shared as of yet.
This isn’t the first all-digital Xbox console, as the less powerful Series S - which launched alongside the Series X - features no disc drive. PlayStation likewise entered this new generation with a digital-only console, albeit one functioning much the same as its standard PS5, just without a disc drive.
The push for digital amidst reports of Xboxshutting down its physical divisionhasbeen worrying fansfor myriad reasons. One of the big concerns is preservation, especially with storefronts like the 360’s shutting down, leaving digital exclusives out to dry. However, Phil Spencer said earlier this year thatXbox is “supportive of physical media"and that “getting rid of physical” entirely is “not a strategic thing for us”.
Whatever the case, the digital Series X looks to be on the horizon. If reports pan out, it’ll hit shelves in Summer, though whether it comes in any variants other than bright white remains to be seen. There’s no concrete word on price either, but for comparison, the PS5 Digital retails at $399.99 while the standard PS5 will set you back $499.99.
Xbox Series X
Launched in 2020 in conjunction with the Xbox Series S digital-only console, the Series X is the disc version of Microsoft’s premier gaming platform.
