At this point, the Xbox Series S, a rumored less powerful version of the Series X, seems like it will be unveiled any day now. While Microsoft hasn’t revealed anything about the console officially, the Xbox Series S has been leaked a few times over from insiders, packaging, and now an Xbox Game Pass promo card included with a controller.
Over on Twitter, a user shared an image of a controller and an Xbox Game Pass trial sheet they received from Microsoft. What’s particularly interesting about the trial sheet is the language on it, which states that the service includes access to games on the “Xbox Series X|S” as well as on the Xbox One and windows.
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Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about the supposed budget console, but leaks continue to emerge about its existence, including prior Xbox controller packaging that included similar language on it, further alluding to the system. It simply isn’t a well-guarded secret anymore, which makes it odd that nothing has been announced about it yet.
Leaks have ranged from the name “Series S” to supposed specs for the Xbox Series S, though the design, pricing, and release window remains a mystery. It’s also unclear how the console would tie-in alongside the Xbox One line up, though it would likely serve as something of a middle option between the Xbox One consoles and the Xbox Series X.
There’s rumored to be another Xbox event in September, which would likely include a reveal for the Xbox Series S, hopefully alongside other details about the Xbox Series X. Of course, Microsoft hasn’t officially announced anything, so it isn’t clear if that will be the case. It doesn’t seem like the company can afford to wait much longer, though, especially if Sony decides to show its hand sometime this month.
With a range of console options heading into 2021, the market is bound to get more competitive than it was for the current generation of consoles. Microsoft strategy goes beyond selling Xbox consoles, with services like Game Pass and Project xCloud bolstering its lineup in new ways.
Regardless, fans should know more soon, and it’s possible that the gaming landscape could change considerably depending on what’s announced. If budget consoles perform considerably better than the high-end options, next-gen might not be quite the leap people were expecting. That all depends on how the gaming market reacts, though, which will be affected by many factors.
The Xbox Series X will release this November. The Xbox Series S has not been officially announced.
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