Most video game consoles typically undergo a refresh a few years after their initial launch, bringing forth new designs and features.
Thanks to court documents from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) versus Microsoft case, we now have information revealing that the tech giant intends to overhaul the Xbox Series S/X and introduce a new controller to the market.
The refreshed Xbox Series X, known as “Brooklin”, has undergone a redesign that features a more cylindrical shape and excludes a disc drive.
The documents from Microsoft have disclosed several improvements, including an increased storage capacity of 2TB (up from 1TB), a front USB-C port with power delivery, and an entirely new and more immersive controller.
The new controller, codenamed “Sebile”, is scheduled for an announcement later this year and will incorporate an accelerometer to support gyro functionality.
It boasts a two-tone color scheme and will offer direct connectivity to the cloud, Bluetooth 5.2, and an updated “Xbox Wireless 2” connection. Microsoft has also listed features such as “precision haptic feedback” and “VCA haptics that double as speakers” for the controller.
It will also have quieter buttons and joysticks, a rechargeable and interchangeable battery, modular joysticks, and the ability to wake up the controller by lifting it.
Within the redesigned Xbox Series X, Microsoft is introducing support for Wi-Fi 6E, a Bluetooth 5.2 radio, and reducing the existing die size to 6nm for enhanced efficiency.
The power supply unit’s power consumption will be reduced by 15%, according to Microsoft’s documentation. Microsoft aims to maintain the Xbox Series X’s launch price at USD499 (approx. RM2,343).
Additionally, Microsoft has outlined a roadmap that includes this new Xbox Series X console and controller, as well as a refreshed Xbox Series S with 1TB of storage.
While Microsoft recently launched a refreshed Xbox Series S in black, another refresh is expected in 2024. The refreshed Series S, codenamed “Ellewood”, is a “light” refresh, according to the documents, featuring Wi-Fi 6E support and Bluetooth 5.2, along with the new Xbox controller.
Microsoft tentatively plans to release this new Xbox Series S refresh in September of next year, followed by the Xbox Series X refresh in November 2024.
