Microsoft is reportedly preparing to launch a new model of the Xbox Series X that will forego the traditional disk drive. This upcoming variant is expected to be unveiled with a larger heatsink, and will come in a fresh white colourway. The tech giant is aiming for a reveal around June this year, providing gamers with an alternative option to the current model.
The news comes as the gaming industry anticipates the arrival of the PlayStation 5 Pro, which is speculated to feature both price and performance enhancements. In contrast, Microsoft’s approach with the new Xbox Series X model appears to be focusing on affordability, with predictions of a $50-$100 reduction in price compared to its disk-equipped counterpart.
Despite the removal of physical media capability, the new Xbox Series X is expected to maintain the same level of performance as the original. This aligns with Microsoft’s confirmation that they do not intend to fragment their console lineup with varying performance levels as seen in the previous generation with the Xbox One.
The transition to a diskless console aligns with a broader industry shift towards digital distribution and subscription-based services. The new variant’s lack of a disk drive could also have implications for the existing Xbox Series S 1TB model, which is currently on the market for $349. With the introduction of this new Xbox Series X model and the rumored “Ellewood” codenamed Xbox Series S version, potential price adjustments for the standard Xbox Series S could be on the horizon.
This move indicates Microsoft is continuing to innovate and adjust its hardware lineup to stay competitive in the ever-evolving gaming landscape. The concept of a diskless console could appeal to players who have fully embraced digital gaming and are looking for a more cost-effective entry point into the latest generation of gaming hardware. With the potential reveal only months away, fans are eager to see how this new addition to the Xbox family will stack up against its peers.
