Microsoft is planning a mid-generation refresh of the Xbox Series FTC vs. Microsoft legal battle. He also disclosed the existence of a new controller with a gyroscope (codenamed Sebile), a refreshed Xbox Series S, key specifications of the new devices and a timeline. It’s unclear exactly how the documents were made public, but they could be damaging to Xbox’s gaming business because they show the company’s strategy well over a year in advance.
Microsoft has previously stated that it has no plans to refresh its mid-generation console, but that doesn’t appear to be true according to the document. In fact, the company is working on three new consoles. The first, named Ellewood, is a slight refresh of the Xbox Series S (expected to arrive in September 2024), while “Brooklin”, tentatively scheduled for November 2024, is a new discless version of the Xbox Series model, called XDL, matches Brooklin’s specifications but will likely offer Xbox Design Lab customization.
Microsoft’s two-tone “Sebile” controller has a built-in accelerometer and haptics that “double as speakers,” which would make it more similar to Sony’s latest DualSense controller. It also includes new modular controllers, quieter buttons and joysticks, and new app features, as well as sustainability tweaks like a replaceable battery, recycled materials, and improved repairability. Once released, we’ll likely see games that support gyroscope, allowing you to maneuver simply by moving the controller. The company will also have an XDL version of Sebile, codenamed Igraine.
The star of this leak, however, is the new, updated Xbox Series X console. While Microsoft touts it as “adorable” (probably due to its less harsh, refrigerator-like cylindrical design than the current Xbox Series cute.
In addition to the new design, the Series ‘a chip shrinkage of 6 nanometers. This will result in reduced power consumption (15%) thanks to a new low-power sleep mode up to 80% lower than current standby, as well as increased use of recycled plastic (>30%) and 100% recycled packaging.
It will have 2TB of storage, double the current model, and will come standard with the Sebile controller. Microsoft also notes that it will have the “same great price” as the current $499 Xbox Series .
The Xbox Series S will have similar improvements inside, as well as double the storage (1TB instead of 512GB), although the design appears relatively unchanged. It is also expected to carry the same current price of $299, with availability tentatively scheduled for September 2024.
Much more information is presented, including things that Microsoft would no doubt want to keep private, like projected sales volumes, margins, financing, and more. For example, Microsoft notes that “the full Sebile product vision is not currently approved due to GM percentage (gross margin percentage) and appears to place this ball in the court of ‘Finance’.” It also outlines a “path to gaming leadership” with a vision for Xbox Game Pass subscription numbers focused on cloud, PC and console. The leak appears to be a massive mistake that will likely lead to serious fallout, so stay tuned.
