With rumours of a PS5 Pro floating around the web, it was unsurprising to see plans for an upgraded Xbox Series X as Microsoft’s response.
Back in 2023, some leaked official documents from Microsoft showcased plans for a mid-life update to the current-gen Xbox Series X console and based on what we saw, it wasn’t an ambitious upgrade. Unlike the rumoured PS5 Pro’s upgraded graphical performance, the documents suggested that Microsoft was content with the performance credentials of the Series X and focused on making it more power efficient.
Fast forward to 2024 and the scenario seems different. A fresh new tip has showcased pictures of an early prototype of the refreshed Xbox Series X and it’s nothing like the cylindrical device as hinted in Microsoft’s leaked documents. Instead, it appears to be the same Xbox Series X we have known since 2020 with a few tweaks and a fresh coat of white paint.
Does that mean Microsoft is going soft with the mid-life update of its current-gen gaming console and letting Sony take the theoretical lead in terms of performance? Or, is the Xbox team planning something else that could not only sweep Sony but even Nintendo off their feet?
There’s only one way to find out.
White Xbox Series X rumours and leaks: Will the upgrade be enough to beat the PS5 Pro?
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful gaming console you can buy today. Hence, you might assume that to counter future threats, Microsoft would introduce moderate internal upgrades to give it a modest boost in performance.
However, if you consider the leaked data from Exputer.com, it seems that Microsoft Gaming’s CEO Phil Spencer has other plans.
The leaked images showcase what seems to be an early prototype for the Xbox Series X mid-life refresh and the most visible change here is the colourway. The Series X has been available in a single shade of black since its launch (excluding the special edition variants) and now, Microsoft could offer it in a shade of white. From the images, it seems this is the same white colourway we saw on the base-spec Xbox Series S console.
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Once you gloss over the new paint job, the next visible change pertains to the optical disc drive or rather, the lack of it. The white Xbox Series X could be an all-digital edition similar to the Sony PS5 Digital edition and hence, could come with a lower price. The lack of the disc drive restricts players to Microsoft’s online game store and users seeking an all-rounder media player may have to look elsewhere.
The set of pictures confirms Microsoft retaining the same I/O ports as the black Xbox Series X, including the front USB-A port and the rear storage expansion slot. The lack of a disc drive appears to have liberated more internal space and the leaked data suggests that the white Xbox Series X may have a superior heat sink for better heat dissipation.
Where does the white Xbox Series X fit in the current lineup?
Based on the leaked data, it seems that Microsoft is planning to expand the Xbox console range and aim for accessibility over enhanced performance, unlike Sony. The white Xbox Series X could slot in between the black Xbox Series S 1TB and the black Xbox Series X with the disc drive.
For those who plan to go for the top-spec 1TB Series S, the white Xbox Series X with greater performance could be within reach, thereby encouraging more customers to get top-tier gaming power.
White Xbox Series X’s rumoured pricing
By excluding the disc drive, Microsoft could ask for a lower price tag than the standard black Xbox Series X, which currently commands a price of HKD 4,380. Our guesswork pins the price of the white Xbox Series X digital edition in the vicinity of HKD 3,200, which could pitch it as a fierce rival to the Sony PS5 Digital edition.
[Hero and Featured Image Credits: Kamil S via Unsplash (Representational Image)]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Does the Xbox Series X support backward compatibility?
Yes, the Xbox Series X has backward compatibility with previously released titles on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and the original Xbox console.
– What media capabilities does the Xbox Series X have?
The Xbox Series X can play 4K UHD Blu-ray content and support 4K media apps, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround media files. It can also play DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs.
– How can I set up my Xbox Series X?
You can set up your Xbox Series X console using the Xbox mobile app and follow the on-screen instructions. You need a Microsoft account to get started.
