The 'Xbox Series S' - a cheaper, lower-spec next-gen console from Microsoft - has been long-rumoured, but has yet to surface. And while Microsoft hasn't revealed anything officially about when the Xbox Series S (also known as 'Xbox Lockhart') will be unveiled, some hints appear to be pointing to next month.
Firstly, Bloomberg put out a report last week about Microsoft's idea to host monthly events leading up to the launch of the Xbox Series X, which started with Inside Xbox on May 7th. In the report, it was noted that June's event will "highlight the Xbox platform and services."
GM of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg has also talked about this, suggesting that June's event will be "done differently than an Inside Xbox show," and to "expect something, that is all we are saying right now." The biggest hint comes in the form of a GIF Greenberg posted back on May 6th:
Nothing official, then, but it certainly sounds like all of this is leading to an Xbox Series S reveal next month. As for what to expect, one rumour has suggested it might feature a 4 teraflop GPU with "all the tech stuff that will define the next generation," and another has said it'll be "surprisingly small in volume."
Do you think we'll see the Xbox Series S / Xbox Lockhart next month? Let us know in the comments.
[source twitter.com, via bloomberg.com]
Comments 4
Cheap and plays Halo. Nice!
And it turns out that MS have decided to abandon the concept of S and release a mobile device designed primarily for xCloud gaming with a base unit for recharging and connecting to a TV LOL.
Of course they may not have a Series S at all right now and opting to focus production on Series X to ensure no shortages come release. They could literally be focussing on the services and moving xCloud out of Beta - have some 'big' announcement of Game Pass integration on xCloud. Maybe even have some mixed reality support - even though that is probably the least likely announcement anyone would expect.
It does seem that the all digital lower spec Series S is most likely - even if it does end up being 4TF. With a 4TF RDNA2 GPU, that would probably be on a par with the 6TF XB1X so BC games may well look and run like they do on that platform. I can't see it offering more than 1080p (or equivalent) resolution even with VRS because the GPU will have a lot less time to render frames with next gen certainly likely to offer higher frame rates. However, in a lot of MP games, the XB1 (S & X) owners will be at a disadvantage because the next gen Xbox will have higher frame rates and lower latency so the Series S could be a good option for those who are on a tighter budget for whatever reason. That's not to say only those who can't afford a Series X will buy it but maybe those who can't justify buying one for the 'bedroom' - theirs or kid(s), can't justify the price for a second/third platform (maybe their first is a PC, PS5 or Switch), one for a tour bus or hotel (if they are on the road a lot) or just don't game enough to pay more. Point is, I am not saying its only for the poorer.
To take advantage of some features may require a 'newer' TV anyway - to get Variable Refresh Rates, Auto Low Latency mode, HDR etc and some TV's won't support Higher frame rates either - even at lower resolutions - assuming it offers [some of] these at all. It does seem 'odd' to me to release a 'low' spec series X - especially with the XB1S and X on the market and 'few' exclusives coming in the first year or two. I know the Series X maybe quite expensive at launch but with two 'low' spec consoles on the market offering the vast majority of the games, the inevitable price drop of the next gen hardware over time and fact that all new TV's are at least 4k, it does seem somewhat odd to bring out a Series S at this time - unless they intend to or have stopped production of the XB1 S & X
I am not a huge fan of this Series S console at all. I get the idea of it, but if they can price the Series X at the same price as the PS5.....I fail to see the big need for this Series S. Especially with the Series X being more powerful than the PS5.
But Microsoft does love to give people choices, so I guess that’s what they are going for here.
Series S small like a GameCube but with Halo!!!
Let me dreeeeaaaammm!
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