The biggest reveal during The Game Awards 2019 was without a doubt the first look at the upcoming Xbox, previously known as Project Scarlett. The Xbox Series X comes with a new design and the confirmation that we might see multiple next-gen Xbox consoles launching next year.
The Xbox family
If we take a look at the current Xbox landscape, it’s clear that Microsoft wants to offer a console for everybody. Those who are seeking for the most powerful and most impressive version of their favorite console go for the Xbox One X, while others will be satisfied with the Xbox One S. To include even more gamers and give more options, the Xbox One All Digital offers the final and cheapest edition currently on the market.
Revisions of consoles aren’t anything new but this generation changed a couple of crucial things. Where revisions offered a different look and feel in the past, they dare to change the actual architecture of the console nowadays. The Xbox One X is a lot more powerful than the Xbox One S, offering stunning graphics and better performances. If you play a game on your Xbox One X and Xbox One S, you’ll clearly see the difference. Premium editions of consoles such as the PlayStation 4 Pro, New Nintendo 3DS, and Xbox One X are a relatively new concept but it’s a concept that seems to work. Not only do they give gamers more options, but they also lengthen the lifespan of their console. With the Xbox Series X revealed, it seems like Microsoft wants to continue this path in their next-generation of consoles as well.
What’s in a name
When Xbox revealed the Xbox Series X on The Game Awards 2019 stage, it was not the minimalistic design nor was it the insane level of graphics that caught my attention, it was the actual name that did. Coming from the mysterious Project Scarlett codename, the Xbox One Series X seemed like an extremely strange name at first. It reminded me of the Wii U days and I got concerned Xbox might be unable to deliver the message that this is the true next-generation Xbox and not another revision of the Xbox One. But the more I let it sink in, the more it all made sense. Xbox Series X will be one of the options in a new Series of Xbox consoles, as clearly stated in the name. Looking a bit further, it seems like this console will become the Premium Edition of the new Xbox Family, hence the X mark at the end of the name. The Xbox Series X is the new Xbox One X, so does that mean we’ll get more consoles? I think the new name just confirmed this.
Xbox Series S and Xbox Series All-Digital
It has been rumored for quite a while now and I think the new name made it pretty clear that Microsoft is indeed working on a couple of next-gen Xbox consoles. Where the Series X will offer the best performance, it’s quite possible that Microsoft will also release a Series S or even a Series All-Digital. This would be a smart move, offering the ability to play the next-generation of games on a less powerful console for a smaller price. It might seem like a strange idea to divide the market from day one but I think Microsoft already proved they aren’t afraid to offer different versions of their hardware. If you take a look at other companies such as Apple, you’ll also notice that those companies are following the same marketing model. Together with the Premium iPhone 11 Pro, came the iPhone 11, giving something for everybody’s wishes and budget. If Xbox launches at least two next-gen consoles, one at a cheaper price, they’ll have the potential to dominate the market in just a couple of months. Since the company isn’t talking about numbered consoles but Series, it’s a no-brainer that we’ll see more versions of the same Series.
This means that people will be able to enjoy the same impressive games on a console that matches their budget the most. It’s the same thing that Nintendo currently offers with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite and although the Lite is clearly missing some crucial features, gamers all over the world fell in love with this cheaper alternative. The Series S won’t house the same insane level of power as the Series X but it might offer the perfect solution for those gamers who simply want to enjoy some new games at a lower price.
Conclusion:
I think it’s pretty clear where the Xbox brand is going with the next generation. By naming their new console a Series, it’s pretty obvious we’ll see some different types of hardware in this Series. The X branding marks its Premium version while the S branding could easily mark the budget-friendly models. Nothing is set in stone as we speak but I think the new name tells a story that’s yet to be revealed. Will we see other entries in the Xbox Series? I’m pretty sure we will, even before the Holidays of 2020!
