Tonight, Microsoft introduced a trio of recent Xbox Collection X/S consoles, together with a digital-only Xbox Collection X.
Partly, these appeared just like the consoles seen in leaked plans launched into the general public area in error final 12 months that awkwardly trumpeted an “adorably all-digital” future for Xbox – one thing Microsoft’s Phil Spencer later stated was outdated.
However how a lot has modified? The brand new digital-only Collection X is white, as anticipated, with are not any main efficiency upgrades below the hood. It is not cylindrical, and retains the common Collection X’s rectangular design. Most significantly, although, it is going to be accompanied – initially, on the very least – by a brand new Collection X choice that retains its disc slot. This “particular version” 2TB Xbox Collection X will likely be accessible in “restricted portions”, Microsoft stated.
All of this prompts a number of questions. How restricted are these portions, do you have to desire a disc-based Collection X? And what’s going to occur to present disc-based Collection X (and for that matter, the present Collection S) when these new fashions go on sale?
Eurogamer contacted Microsoft to ask whether or not the present Xbox Collection X/S fashions will nonetheless be manufactured and bought when the brand new variations be part of the line-up.
“The three new Xbox Collection X/S choices will be part of our present console lineup,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated in response, earlier than itemizing out all 5 fashions set to be accessible this Christmas.
“This vacation, gamers may have the selection of Xbox Collection S ($299.99 USD ERP), Xbox Collection S – 1TB ($349.99/€349.99), Xbox Collection X – 1TB Digital Version ($449.99/€499.99 ERP), Xbox Collection X -1TB with ODD ($499.99 USD ERP), and Xbox Collection X – 2TB Galaxy Black Particular Version ($599.99/€649.99 ERP). Console availability will range by market.”
For now, then, Microsoft is clearly solely committing to the Xbox console line-up accessible as of this Christmas, or “vacation”. What occurs in 2025, and even later into this console era, stays an open query. However maybe, six months out from the brand new consoles’ launch and with the gross sales efficiency of those new consoles nonetheless to be examined, a few of this does stay an open query even inside Microsoft itself.
If you happen to did wish to purchase an Xbox Collection X with a disc drive (helpful, if nothing else, to assist your present Xbox 360/Xbox One again catalogue), you continue to have time – for now.
