With the pace of technological advancements in the gaming industry, it comes as no surprise that companies are always looking for ways to refine their products and remain ahead of the curve. Case in point, a discless version of the Xbox Series X.
Technically, Microsoft already has a digital-only console – the Xbox Series S. However, amidst all the criticism it’s getting, we’re hearing reports that Microsoft is looking to digitize its bulkier and more powerful brother.
The source of this rapidly circulating rumor was none other than Shpeshal Nick, the face behind the XboxEra Podcast. Nick hinted that Microsoft has been contemplating a digital-only iteration of their flagship Xbox Series X. This news was corroborated by messages from independent sources, further fueling the speculation. If the rumor mill is to be believed, the digital-only Xbox Series X is slated for a 2025 release, along with other unspecified hardware.
Looking at the broader landscape, both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are celebrating their third year in the video game industry later this year. Still, official announcements about their mid-generation upgrades have been missing. The secrecy has inevitably led to a cascade of rumors. The most potent of which suggests a mid-generation refresh, similar to Sony’s rumored detachable disc drive feature for the PlayStation 5. This potential evolution reflects a larger trend, a possibility that the next-gen consoles, anticipated for a 2028 release, might eschew disc drives entirely.
However, this isn’t the only revelation that Nick brought to the table. He insinuated the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 might bear similarities to PlayStation consoles, though he kept the specifics under wraps.
One can’t help but wonder what this means. Will the Nintendo Switch 2 emulate PlayStation’s hardware and interface or design or maybe its gaming library?
In recent times, Microsoft’s Xbox has been enjoying a particularly strong wave of popularity. A testament to its success is the burgeoning development of over 5000 new games. Tantalizingly, the release of Starfield is imminent. And if that’s not enough to satiate the voracious appetite of gamers, there are ample other reasons to get excited. Following a legal victory against the FTC, Microsoft rejuvenated Call of Duty’s matchmaking servers, precipitating a spike in sales of the marquee first-person franchise and the Xbox Series S and X.
Phil Spencer’s announcement of a partnership with Square Enix was the cherry on top, promising a deluge of games for the beloved Final Fantasy fans.
But, what does this digital transformation signify for the gaming community outside of the fact that it’s a sign that the company has realized that the Xbox Series S was a mistake? Keep in mind, the Xbox Series S, a digital-only console, is aimed primarily towards casual games looking to get their bang for the buck. In contrast, the Xbox Series X, with its comprehensive features, appeals to the more dedicated faction of the gaming community. An all-digital Series X could offer an alternative, we just don’t know who it’s for and why it’s even in the works in the first place.
While these speculations come from reputable sources, they remain unsubstantiated. It’s also prudent to note that the still-to-be-confirmed PS5 Slim, a potential rival to Microsoft’s speculated digital Series X, might not be worth the wait.
If Microsoft is indeed mimicking Sony’s steps, the gaming community might be in for a disappointment.
The crux of the matter is cost and performance. A disc-less next-gen console, offering Series X level performance with a reduced price, would be a tantalizing proposition for those accustomed to digital purchases.
Conversely, opinions on the existing Series S remain polarized. Critics argue that it has stymied game potential, heaping additional burdens on developers, a sentiment that some studios have echoed in the past. The situation isn’t likely to get better for the Xbox Series S as the incoming games continue to become bigger resource hogs.
Ultimately, it all boils down to gamers’ preferences and demands. The dynamic nature of the industry requires gaming companies to be nimble, innovative, and responsive to shifts. Whether Microsoft’s purported digital transition is a stroke of genius or a miscalculated imitation remains to be seen.
For now, the watchword is patience. 2025 isn’t that far off, after all.
