The NEW Xbox Situation is Crazy

Summary

In the latest episode of *This is Xbox*, hosts discuss the newly released 2 TB limited edition Xbox Series X and the evolving landscape of console gaming. They express mixed feelings about the hardware changes, noting the subtle internal redesigns, including a 6 nm chip and the elimination of the disc drive in the digital version. The conversation highlights Xbox's need to strengthen its market position against PlayStation, particularly with the upcoming PS5 Pro. Ultimately, they call for Xbox to focus on upcoming innovations while managing consumer perceptions of their current offerings.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Xbox has released a limited edition 2 TB Series X, with a new design that raises questions about its value.
• 💰 The digital version has dropped $50 in price but lacks a disc drive, offering a more affordable option at $450.
• ⚙️ The new Xbox models feature a redesigned motherboard and cooler, making them more efficient and potentially cheaper to produce.
• 🔍 The Xbox Series X's internal upgrades include a switch from a 7nm to a 6nm chip, reflecting a trend in console design.
• 📉 Microsoft aims to maintain prices despite production cost savings, unlike competitors who have raised prices.
• 🔄 The transition from traditional consoles to new models is seen as necessary, with hints of the next-generation Xbox already in development.
• 🛠️ The redesign focuses on internal efficiencies rather than significant performance improvements or size reductions.
• 💡 There’s skepticism about the effectiveness of redesigning current consoles while preparing for the next generation.
• 📅 Predictions suggest that the next-generation Xbox could launch around 2026, in response to market dynamics.
• 🎉 Nostalgia and strategic branding will be crucial for Xbox to regain competitive ground against PlayStation.

Q & A

What is the key difference between the Xbox Series X models discussed in the video?

The key difference is that the new Xbox Series X models feature a redesign of the internal components. The digital version has no disc drive, a new simplified motherboard, and a smaller 6 nm chip, which makes it more efficient and slightly cheaper to produce.

Why was the Xbox Series X redesign considered 'weird' by the speaker?

The redesign was considered 'weird' because, despite the internal improvements, it didn't result in significant performance upgrades or major design changes. It was seen as an unnecessary refresh since the console was already a few years old, and there were expectations of a more substantial next-gen upgrade.

What is the significance of the 6 nm chip in the new Xbox Series X models?

The 6 nm chip is a more efficient and slightly cooler version compared to the previous 7 nm chip. This redesign allows for better power efficiency and lower production costs, although the actual performance difference is minimal.

What was the reaction to the new Xbox Series X pricing structure?

The pricing structure was generally viewed as favorable because, even with the redesign, Xbox kept the price the same or even made it slightly cheaper. For example, the digital 1 TB version is now priced at $450, which is $50 cheaper than the standard model with a disc drive.

How does the redesign of the Xbox Series X compare to previous PlayStation and Xbox hardware revisions?

Similar to PlayStation’s previous redesigns, Xbox made internal improvements with the 6 nm chip. However, the redesign wasn't as drastic as earlier PlayStation revisions, like the PS5's mid-cycle refresh. Xbox's update is more focused on efficiency than performance enhancement.

Why does the speaker believe that Xbox might be preparing for the next generation of consoles?

The speaker mentions that Xbox has stated they are working on the next-generation consoles, suggesting that the redesign of the Series X is a temporary update. They speculate that the redesigned model is intended to save costs and make way for the new generation, which could launch in a few years.

What is the significance of the Series S model in Xbox's current lineup?

The Xbox Series S is significant because it is much more affordable and widely adopted compared to the Series X. It's seen as a more practical option for gamers who want an entry-level Xbox without paying for premium features like a disc drive or higher storage.

Why does the speaker think Microsoft did not publicly announce the changes to the new Xbox Series X models?

The speaker believes Microsoft didn’t announce the changes because the improvements are relatively minor, and they didn’t want to overhype a refresh that doesn’t drastically change the gaming experience. The changes are mostly internal and would only interest a small subset of gamers.

How does the speaker feel about the future of Xbox hardware?

The speaker believes Xbox is making smart moves in preparing for the next generation, especially by focusing on design efficiency rather than just minor hardware tweaks. They predict that a significant leap in hardware will occur in the next 2-3 years, which could put Xbox ahead of PlayStation if they time their next release well.

What comparison does the speaker make with Nintendo’s Switch redesigns?

The speaker compares the Xbox Series X redesign to Nintendo’s Switch redesign, where internal improvements (like battery life) were not heavily advertised. This highlights how hardware updates are often subtle and may not be noticeable to most consumers, even though they have a real impact on efficiency.