Xbox Series X Slim: release date, price, rumors and features (original) (raw)

(Credit: The Shortcut)

Microsoft was seemingly preparing to launch an Xbox Series X Slim, a redesigned and enhanced version of its flagship console with new features, a smaller profile, and no disc drive. But it seems like it’s gone back on that idea.

Thanks to a massive and unprecedented Xbox leak, Microsoft’s plans for the future were seemingly laid bare for all to see. It looked like Microsoft was preparing to release an Xbox Series X Slim, but that’s no longer the case – at least for now.

Microsoft revealed three new pieces of hardware during its recent Xbox Games Showcase: a white all-digital Xbox Series X, a white Xbox Series S with 1TB of storage, and an Xbox Series X with 2TB of storage. No Xbox Series X Slim was shown or even hinted at.

It doesn’t mean we’ll never see an Xbox Series X Slim, but it’s significantly less likely now. Nevertheless, here’s everything we know about Microsoft’s previously leaked Xbox Series X redesign.

Check out our Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S comparison before you buy, or our PS5 Slim vs Xbox Series X Slim for a head-to-head showdown between Sony and Microsoft’s refreshed consoles.

Launch timeline for the Xbox Series X Slim. (Credit: Microsoft)

Like the now-confirmed and widely available PS5 Slim, Microsoft was developing a smaller and more efficient console. The Xbox Series X Slim, or Xbox Series X Digital Edition as some might call it, was expected to be released in November 2024, a similar timeframe for the PS5 Pro. However, that’s no longer the case now that Microsoft has announced three new versions of its existing hardware.

Speaking on the Official Xbox Podcast, Xbox president Sarah Bond recently confirmed that Microsoft would release new hardware “this holiday”, but neither turned out to be the Xbox Series X Slim.

“There’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re gonna share this holiday,” said Bond. “We’re also invested in the next-generation roadmap.”

Xbox’s official X account also posted: “Xbox hardware will also continue to be a flagship experience for players and for game developers to launch games on with a robust and innovative multi-year hardware roadmap, including more console and controller options for you this holiday.”

Microsoft has released a slim or revised console since the Xbox 360 generation. We saw the Xbox One S last gen and, even though the Xbox Series S is the smallest Xbox ever made, a more power-efficient and sleeker Xbox Series X console will appeal to many.

From the leaked documents, it appeared that Microsoft would take its Xbox Series X Slim model more seriously than Sony’s PS5 Slim, which, apart from adding more storage and another USB-C port on the front, is practically identical to the older model.

Several changes were going to be made to the console’s IO and design, including making it more sustainable and power-efficient. It was also tipped to ship with a brand-new controller that borrows many of the PS5 DualSense controller’s features like haptic feedback.

The Xbox Series X Slim price was expected to be $499, the same as the current Xbox Series X. That might disappoint many, as slim console revisions usually launch for a reduced price as they’re cheaper to manufacture and ship. However, as we’ve seen with Sony’s PS5 Slim, this isn’t always the case.

Microsoft will have hoped that some of the new features of the Xbox Series X Slim would help justify keeping the same $499 price point, but as the console won’t be released in 2024, it may be able to offer a lower price point if we see a redesign during this generation.

Microsoft could bundle in a couple of months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or a download code for one of its biggest titles to sweeten the deal, which Sony did with the PS5 Slim launch.

The Xbox Series X Slim will come with a new controller. (Credit: Microsoft)

Aside from a smaller, more cylindrical design, the biggest change to the Xbox Series X Slim is that it won’t include a disc drive. That’s a controversial change for many as millions still prefer buying games on disc instead of digitally. It also means there won’t be an Xbox console with a disc drive anymore, as the Xbox Series S is also a digital-only console.

Rumors suggested that Microsoft might abandon physical games for an all-digital Xbox future, as it reportedly shut down departments responsible for bringing physical games to market. Notable Xbox Series X exclusive Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 doesn’t have a physical version, and Hi-Fi Rush and Alan Wake 2 also launched as digital-only titles.

However, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has since clarified the company’s stance on physical media. Speaking to Game File, Spencer said: “We are supportive of physical media, but we don't have a need to drive that disproportionate to customer demand.

“We ship games physically and digitally, and we're really just following what the customers are doing. And I think our job in running Xbox is to deliver on the things that a majority of the customers want. And right now, a majority of our customers are buying games digitally.”

Microsoft could release a disc drive add-on, similar to the PS5 Slim. But with Best Buy announcing it will no longer sell 4K Blu-ray discs in 2024, perhaps the shift to digital is now upon us. Most game sales are digital, but physical copies remain the best way to get the cheapest prices.

Other changes to the Xbox Series X Slim include 2TB of storage (an increase of 1TB), improvements to the consoles IO, and WiFi 6E for better throughput, latency, and interference mitigation.

The console will also be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. It’ll draw 15% less power in operation, 20% less in standby mode, and be made from more recycled materials. It’ll also come in 100% recyclable packaging. That’s a step above the new PS5 Slim, which didn’t improve the console’s efficiency or power draw.

The Xbox Series X Slim will ship with the new Xbox controller, codenamed Sebille, which features haptic feedback, gyro control, quieter buttons and thumbsticks, and modular analog sticks for increased durability.

A USB-C port will also replace the USB-A port found on the front of the Xbox Series X console and a Bluetooth 5.2 radio will improve the user experience when using the best Xbox Series X accessories.

Microsoft had previously ruled out releasing a more powerful mid-gen console like the rumored PS5 Pro, and the Xbox leak only affirmed that message. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has previously said that releasing an Xbox One X-like refresh wasn’t on the cards.

“That’s not the feedback we’re getting right now. Right now, we’re pretty set on the hardware we have,” Spencer said. However, Microsoft has since released a black Xbox Series S with more storage, and an Xbox Series X Digital Edition was tipped to be in development in August.

A cheaper white Xbox Series X will be released this holiday which removes the disc drive but doesn’t feature any of the improvements of a true Xbox Series X Slim redesign.

While we might not see a souped-up Xbox Series X, then, a smaller, more efficient Series X Slim console that’s cheaper to produce makes sense. Whatever happens, it will make our Xbox Series X vs PS5 comparison more interesting.

Last updated: August 12, 2024