Xbox Series X & S refresh: Leaked price, release window & more

Microsoft is rumored to release the Xbox Series S and X refresh next year. Here’s everything we know, including the  leaked price, tentative release date and more

Microsoft’s Xbox Series S and X are a few years old, and leaks hint that the company might be looking to introduce their refresh versions soon – similar to what Sony has done with the PS5 Slim.

The PS5 Slim and Xbox Series X|S refresh are designed to serve as a stop-gap solution before the respective brands introduce the next-generation gaming console.

In the past, several leaks hinted at the presence of the Xbox Series X & S refresh consoles. However, thanks to leaked documents from the Microsoft vs FTC case, we know these consoles are codenamed Brooklin and Ellewood.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Xbox Series X & S refresh.

Xbox Series X and S refresh release window leak

The refreshed Xbox Series X and S are rumored to launch in October 2024. The company also plans to introduce additional storage variants in 2025.

While the company has not confirmed the launch dates, it does look like a possibility, given that the next-gen Xbox is scheduled to launch in 2028.

This gives Microsoft enough time to sell the “refreshed” Xbox consoles and space out the launch of two generations of Xbox consoles.

Xbox Series X and S refresh price leak

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The Xbox Series X and S refresh might be priced at $499 and $299, respectively. These early reports hint that the Xbox Series X might sport 2TB of storage while the Series S might ship with 1TB of onboard storage.

Both the consoles are expected to be digital-only, meaning the Series X will not support a disc drive. The company allegedly plans to eventually phase out the original Xbox Series X, meaning that it could be the last Xbox console with a disc drive. 

Xbox Series X and S refresh specifications leak

Microsoft

Both consoles are expected to get minor hardware and design tweaks. While the Series S refresh, codenamed Ellewood, might get minor updates, including the addition of Wi-Fi 6E and BT 5.2, it might also look similar to the current Series S.

The Xbox Series X refresh, codenamed Brooklin, looks to be getting a design overhaul. Leaks show off a cylindrical design, which omits a disc drive in favor of an additional 1TB storage. It is also expected to get Wi-Fi 6E and BT 5.2 for wireless connectivity.

The leaked reports suggest that the refreshed Series X  and S will be more power-efficient.  Both consoles will sport a USB-C port at the front for easy connectivity. It is expected to deliver 4K Gen9 console gaming with 100% recyclable packaging.

Microsoft is also looking to introduce a new controller, codenamed Sebile, alongside the consoles. While this new Xbox wireless controller will have similar ergonomics as its predecessor, it will come with a rechargeable and swappable battery, modular joysticks, and gyro sensors for immersive gaming.

Phasing out the disc drive

Microsoft

According to recently leaked images, the Xbox Series X refresh is rumored to be an all-digital white Xbox Series X console. Instead of a disc tray, like the current Xbox Series X, the leak suggests the console will opt for a 2TB SSD, as similarly speculated from previous leaks.

While optical discs have had a glorious past, most modern PCs and laptops do not ship with drives, and gaming consoles are a rare exception. With this refresh, Microsoft may want to prioritize cloud gaming and phase out optical discs entirely.

Microsoft may be hinting at making physical gaming discs a thing of the past; however, this move might only help the company and the developers, who might make some extra money by selling digital versions of the games. Moreover, you might be unable to lend or exchange the game discs with your friends and will be forced to buy the digital version.