Summary

  • Microsoft has launched three new Xbox Series X/S models, namely the 2TB Galaxy Black Series X, 1TB all-digital white Series X, and 1TB white Series S.
  • The new Xbox Series X variants further include internal hardware revisions, such as a smaller 6nm chip, a redesigned motherboard, and a copper heat pipe cooling system.
  • These changes improve power efficiency over the launch Xbox Series X models and run just as quietly.

Microsoft has released three new iterations of its Xbox Series X/S consoles, offering more storage, a discless option, a new special edition system, and several other intrinsic improvements. While the platform holder doesn't have a rival to Sony's upcoming PS5 Pro, these new Xbox variants do fill a lot of gaps in Microsoft's current-generation console lineup.

Four years into their lifecycles, the approaches employed for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have deviated quite a bit. Sony has regularly made small revisions to the PS5, whether it be more efficient SoCs, cooling system optimizations, a handier vertical stand, or the redesigned PS5 Slim that was released last year. The Xbox Series X/S consoles, meanwhile, have remained exactly the same since they launched back in holiday 2020. New storage options and colors were introduced, but the Xbox console lineup hasn't changed at a core level.

Xbox unveils new Indiana Jones Console.
Xbox Giving Away Gold Indiana Jones Console

Xbox announces it will be giving away a brand-new, custom Series X console inspired by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ahead of the game's release.

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Now, Microsoft is adding three new consoles to the Xbox Series X/S family. These were first announced during this summer's Xbox Games Showcase, and are now available for purchase. The headliner is the Galaxy Black Xbox Series X, a 2TB special edition console sporting a bespoke black-and-green color scheme and white specks intended to mimic the cosmos. This is followed by a new white all-digital 1TB Series X, and finally a white 1TB Series S. While these may just look like surface level changes, there's a lot more going on here internally, at least for the Series X consoles.

New Xbox Series X Consoles Bring Lots of Internal Improvements

New Xbox Series X/S Models and Pricing

  • Xbox Series X, 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition: $599.99
  • Xbox Series X, 1TB Digital Edition (White): $449.99
  • Xbox Series S, 1TB (White): $349.99

Xbox Series X New Internal Changes

  • Smaller, more power-efficient 6nm chip compared to launch model's 7nm SoC
  • At idle, 2TB Series X draws 10W less power and 1TB all-digital draws 23W less compared to launch model
  • While gaming, 2TB model draws 16W less power and 1TB all-digital draws 11W less compared to launch model
  • Motherboard has been redesigned and SSD shield removed
  • New copper heat pipe cooling system instead of vapor chamber on the launch model
  • No measurable changes to fan noise or exhaust temperatures

YouTuber Austin Evans recently published a video wherein he tore down the Galaxy Black and discless Series X versions. Close inspection revealed many changes to the innards of the new Xbox Series X models, with the most prominent one being a smaller 6nm chip. The shrunken SoC slightly improves power efficiency by at least 10W at idle and up to 16W while gaming. The motherboard has also been restructured, and the vapor chamber cooling system has been ditched for a more conventional copper heat pipe design. Overall, these changes are more in line with the PS5's earlier hardware revisions, rather than the Slim model.

As is usually the case with console hardware revisions, Microsoft will be able to manufacture the updated Xbox Series X systems for a cheaper price. The company hasn't confirmed whether it broke even on console production, but given how poorly the Xbox Series X/S duo is selling, Microsoft is likely still losing money on each unit.

Image
Xbox Series X Tag Page Cover Art-1
Xbox Series X
Display card main info widget
Brand
Microsoft
Operating System
Proprietary (Windows-based)
Storage
1TB WD SN530 NVMe SSD
VR Support
No
Resolution
720p - 4K UHD
App Store
Microsoft Store
Display card main info widget end

Microsoft's ninth-generation console, the Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that can support 4K resolution and 60 fps, depending on the game. Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Series X has a Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM. 

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11ac
Ports
AC, Ethernet, USB x3, Storage Expansion, HDMI
HDR Support
Yes
Original Release Date
November 10, 2020
Hardware Versions
Xbox Series X
Original MSRP (USD)
$499
Weight
9.8 LBS
Dimensions
151 x 151 x 301 mm
Processor
Custom AMD 8-core Zen 2 3.8 GHz
$487 at Amazon