The US Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) case against Microsoft in 2022 didn’t ultimately block the company’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard but did lead to a leak in unredacted documents that have revealed key Microsoft communications between Xbox executives.
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Xbox Series X leaked design
One of the biggest Xbox leaks in history has occurred due to the Federal Trade Commission v. Microsoft case. Court documents published by the Verge include a slide deck, complete with renders, that detail a mid-generation refresh of both Xbox Series consoles, plus a revamped controller with an updated design and new features.
The new design looks more cylindrical than the existing console and does not have a disc drive. The confidential documents further show that the Series X has 2TB of storage, 1TB more than previous consoles, a USB-C front port with power delivery, and an “all-new, more immersive controller.” The PSU power will be reduced by 15 percent, according to Microsoft’s document.
The new Xbox controller, codenamed Sebile, will be announced early next year for $69.99. It will have a built-in accelerometer, which means that you will be able to wake it up with a simple lift. It has a two-tone color scheme and will even support a direct connection to the cloud, Bluetooth 5.2, and a presumably updated “Xbox Wireless 2” connection.
Microsoft also lists “precision haptic feedback” and “VCA haptics double as speakers” as specs for the controller. It will also have quieter buttons and thumbsticks, perfect for any late-night gamers.
However, the Xbox Series X is just one of the many things leaked from court documents. For instance, it was also revealed that Microsoft has plans to achieve “full convergence” of its cloud gaming platform and physical hardware to deliver “cloud hybrid games” in 2028. This means no more hardware would be needed to play games.
Chief Phil Spencer addresses leak
Xbox chief Phil Spencer took to X to share a brief statement on the recent leaks, stating “We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.”
According to the Verge, Spencer also sent out an internal memo to Xbox employees saying “We all put incredible amounts of passion and energy into our work, and this is never how we want that hard work to be shared with the community. That said, there’s so much more to be excited about, and when we’re ready, we’ll share the real plans with our players.”
We've seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team's work shared in this way because so much has changed and there's so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) September 19, 2023
Nonetheless, we are yet to see what Microsoft chooses to announce and reveal, but we’re sure it’s going to be fabulous.
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