Newly leaked documents from the FTC v. Microsoft courtroom battle have unveiled Microsoft’s game plan for its Xbox business. The most significant revelation is the existence of a refreshed Xbox console, codenamed “Brooklin,” that aims to give a new look and feel to the current Series X.
Contrary to the rectangular cuboid design of the current Series X, Brooklin takes on a more cylindrical form, as showcased in one of the leaked documents. While the performance remains the same as the current Series X, this refresh focuses on hardware improvements. Notably, the 6nm die powering the console has been shrunk, resulting in a 15% reduction in power usage. Alongside this, features such as 2TB of internal storage, a front-facing USB-C port for power delivery, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 support are also listed.
However, the leaked documents also indicate that Microsoft has decided to eliminate the disk drive for this iteration, following in the footsteps of the cheaper Xbox Series S. To cater to fans who prefer physical media or wish to access their back catalogs, Microsoft may offer a separate disk drive, similar to rumored plans by Sony.
A leaked document outlining launch timelines reveals that Microsoft aims to release the new cylindrical Series X in November 2024, with the same price tag of $499 as the current console. Additionally, there are indications of another refresh codenamed “Ellewood” coming in 2024, shortly after Brooklin’s launch.
While these leaks provide insight into Microsoft’s future plans, it’s worth noting that the information is subject to change as the company refines its strategies. Gaming enthusiasts will eagerly await official announcements from Microsoft to confirm the leaked details.
Sources:
– FTC via The Verge
