Microsoft has big plans for the coming year. Leaked court documents show not only a thoroughly redesigned controller, but also two new Xbox models.
In the legal dispute with the US trade authority FTC (Federal Trade Commission), a document has become public that leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to future Xbox hardware. Not only can you find the release schedule for 2024, but also detailed information about the new devices.
New Xbox models are coming in 2024
From the leaked court document It appears that Microsoft is currently working on two new consoles: Ellewood and Brooklin.
Refresh Xbox Series S (Ellewood)
The cheaper of the two new consoles is scheduled to come onto the market at the end of August. The refresh has twice as much storage as the original Series S at one terabyte, but still costs $299. There is also a new southbridge – the chip that is responsible for the connections. This now enables a USB-C port on the front, instead of USB-A as before. The new Series S also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
The new console is also more sustainable. Not only does the new standby mode save up to 20 percent more energy. Recycled resin makes up more than 30 percent of the case and the packaging is 100 percent recyclable.
Also interesting: The best accessories for the Xbox Series X and S
Refresh Xbox Series X (Brooklin)
Unlike the new Series S, which can hardly be distinguished from its predecessor, the refresh of the Series X comes in a completely new look. In the leaked document, the console looks almost cylindrical and, unlike its predecessor, it does not come with a disc drive.
Microsoft doubles the memory to 2 terabytes and still sets the retail price at $499. There is also a new southbridge and a USB-C port with Power Delivery on the front. WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are also on board.
The new Xbox Series This means the console should consume less power for the same performance. The power supply should also consume 15 percent less power. The more economical standby mode is also coming to the Series X.
According to Microsoft’s timetable, Brooklin will start 60 days after the Series S and will therefore be released at the end of October 2024. There are no price increases planned for the Series X either; it will still cost $499.
New Xbox controller coming in May 2024
A new Xbox controller is expected to appear before the two Xbox refreshes come onto the market. Microsoft could introduce the controller – codename Sebile – as early as April 2024.
The two-tone design is reminiscent of the Xbox Elite Controller, but Microsoft also took inspiration from Google’s Stadia Controller. The new device not only supports Xbox Wireless 2 and Bluetooth 5.2, but also has a direct cloud connection. An integrated acceleration sensor enables the new “Lift to Wake” function – simply pick up the controller and the Xbox starts.
Sony has shown the way with the DualSense on the PlayStation 5 and Microsoft could follow suit with the Xbox controller for 2024: Sebile is intended to deliver an even more immersive gaming experience with precise haptic feedback. Similar to DualSense, so-called “Voice Coils” (VCA) are used, which not only enable haptic feedback, but also function as loudspeakers.
Microsoft has made some changes to the case. This means that more recycled materials are used and the service life is longer. The joysticks should also now be modular. The controller could also come ex works with a rechargeable, replaceable battery for the first time. According to Microsoft, buttons and joysticks are quieter than in the predecessor. Otherwise, the layout, trigger points of the buttons and joysticks are identical.