Xbox could launch a new Series X, and it may be bad news for physical collectors
Off the back of its commitment to the console business (while putting four Xbox games on other platforms), Microsoft's next console may have been revealed via a new report.
eXputer is reporting that Microsoft will refresh the Xbox Series X with a new white version as early as June or July, and that it'll do away with the Blu-Ray drive offered by the current model. After reports that Microsoft is moving away from physical media (despite Phil Spencer's assurances otherwise), it seems like this would be the nail in the coffin for buying a game on disc (or simply a cheaper alternative).
Xbox could be about to go truly all-digital
Click to enlargeeXputer speculates that the Xbox Series X without a disc drive could retail at $50 to $100 less than the current model. That could help undercut the PlayStation 5 Slim - although the latter has the option of adding a modular disc drive at a later date.
Microsoft does already offer a disc-less Xbox with the Xbox Series S, but the hardware has reportedly led to some compromises to get games running on its lower-powered hardware. Notably Baldur's Gate 3 developers Larian had to remove split-screen multiplayer from the 2023 Game of the Year on Series S.
eXputer's report also suggests there are further internal upgrades included, too, with an improved heatsink and improved 'Nexus card', which is tied to storage expansion. Here's hoping it could mean the opportunity to install standard M.2 drives in the future.
During the recent Xbox Business Update podcast, Xbox President Sarah Bond said “There’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday, and we’re also invested in the next-generation roadmap.”
“And what we’re really focused on there is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation, which makes it better for players and better for creators and the visions that they’re building.”
