Say hello to the Xbox Series X, coming Holiday 2020

Microsoft has just left gamers around the globe salivating for the Holiday season 2020 with the official unveiling of the Xbox Series X console (formerly known as Project Scarlett). The design takes a decidedly minimalist approach so it will slide in seamlessly into any home theater set up. As expected, it continues to sport a 4K Ultra HD Bluray slot at the front. There is also a slightly revised controller that now features an instant ‘Share’ button similar to the one found on the current generation Sony PlayStation 4 controller as well as a new hybrid D-pad.

Like a square version of the (in)famous 2013 trash can Mac Pro, the next-gen console Xbox Series X draws air through a central core and vents through the top (or the side, depending on orientation). "There's always this tension between design and the kind of acoustics and cooling and function of the console," Microsoft’s Xbox chief Phil Spencer explained to Gamespot, "and we were not going to compromise on function”. Spencer added that despite the 4 to 5x performance increase, the new console will be no louder than the current Xbox One X when in use.

As for the choice Series X naming scheme, Spencer says that it will allow Microsoft the flexibility to add more than one variant of the console available for sale next year. Like the current Xbox One S and the Xbox One X, we expect at least two variants with one potentially offering up even more performance and features than the base model. It also offers scope for additional variants down the line. The next-gen console war in 2020 is starting to take shape and we like what we see – it’s game on!