3 New Xbox Consoles Are Now Available for Purchase, And They Come With Improvements

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3 New Xbox Consoles Are Now Available for Purchase, And They Come With Improvements

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft has launched three new Xbox Series X/S models, namely the 2TB Galaxy Black Series X, 1TB all-digital white Series X, and 1TB white Series S.
  • The new Xbox Series X variants further include internal hardware revisions, such as a smaller 6nm chip, a redesigned motherboard, and a copper heat pipe cooling system.
  • These changes improve power efficiency over the launch Xbox Series X models and run just as quietly.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these new Xbox Series X/S models from Microsoft have piqued my interest. Four years into this generation, it’s refreshing to see some changes and improvements, especially for the Xbox Series X consoles.

Microsoft has unveiled three fresh versions of its Xbox Series X/S gaming systems, boasting increased storage capacity, a disc-free option, a special edition model, and numerous under-the-hood enhancements. Although Microsoft doesn’t directly compete with Sony’s forthcoming PS5 Pro, these new Xbox models effectively address several voids within the company’s current console portfolio for this generation.

In their fourth years of existence, the strategies for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have diverged significantly. Sony, on a regular basis, has made minor upgrades to the PS5, including more efficient System-on-Chip (SoC), cooling system enhancements, a more convenient vertical stand, or the recently launched PS5 Slim. In contrast, the Xbox Series X/S consoles have remained unchanged since their debut in late 2020. They’ve introduced new storage options and colors, but at a fundamental level, the Xbox console lineup has stayed the same.

Currently, Microsoft is expanding its Xbox Series X/S lineup by introducing three new models: the Galaxy Black Xbox Series X, a 2TB special edition with a unique black-and-green color pattern and white specks reminiscent of space, announced during the summer’s Xbox Games Showcase; a fresh all-white digital 1TB Series X model; and lastly, a white 1TB Series S. While these modifications might appear superficial, there are significant internal differences, particularly for the Series X consoles.

New Xbox Series X Consoles Bring Lots of Internal Improvements

New Xbox Series X/S Models and Pricing

  • Xbox Series X, 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition: $599.99
  • Xbox Series X, 1TB Digital Edition (White): $449.99
  • Xbox Series S, 1TB (White): $349.99

Xbox Series X New Internal Changes

  • Smaller, more power-efficient 6nm chip compared to launch model’s 7nm SoC
  • At idle, 2TB Series X draws 10W less power and 1TB all-digital draws 23W less compared to launch model
  • While gaming, 2TB model draws 16W less power and 1TB all-digital draws 11W less compared to launch model
  • Motherboard has been redesigned and SSD shield removed
  • New copper heat pipe cooling system instead of vapor chamber on the launch model
  • No measurable changes to fan noise or exhaust temperatures

In his latest video, YouTuber Austin Evans took apart both the Galaxy Black and disc-less versions of the new Xbox Series X. Upon closer examination, he noted several internal modifications in the updated Xbox Series X models. The most significant change was a smaller 6nm chip, which has led to an enhancement in power efficiency by approximately 10W during idle mode and up to 16W while gaming. Additionally, the motherboard layout has been revamped, and the previous vapor chamber cooling system has been replaced with a traditional copper heat pipe design. Interestingly, these alterations seem to follow the trend observed in the PS5’s earlier hardware revisions rather than the Slim model.

From my perspective as an enthusiast, it’s common to see cost reductions with console hardware revisions, and that seems to be the case with the updated Xbox Series X systems for Microsoft. However, they haven’t revealed whether they’ve covered their costs in console production yet. Considering the less-than-stellar sales of the Xbox Series X/S pair, it appears Microsoft might still be bearing a financial loss on each unit sold.

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2024-10-16 12:14