The Xbox Series S is real, at least as far as the leaky packaging for the Xbox Series X controller is concerned.
We were able to view this through a Twitter user Zak S, who claims in the thread of tweets announcing his discovery that he bought the controller from Auctionsite OfferUp for only $ 35. There are some interesting details to be seen about the controller, but the big news is the apparent confirmation of the rumored cheaper next gen Xbox.
You can clearly see “Xbox Series X / S” printed on the side of the box, at the top next to the section with other compatible devices. This seems to be the most conclusive proof of the existence of the Xbox Series S existence that we will get until Microsoft officially tells us about it. Rumors so far point to a reveal this August.
The side also mentions that the package contains a few AA batteries next to the controller, which is some disappointing news. While Sony provides controllers with internal batteries for their consoles that can be charged by simply plugging them in, Microsoft has required users to purchase batteries or charge them separately when their controller is out of juice. And it seems like it’s the same situation for the next console generation as well.
And here is a video to show that it is real pic.twitter.com/4SWl3nmsIwAugust 10, 2020
In better news, Zak S says that the controller itself feels great, although he does not go into much detail. Comparing the Series X controller with the Xbox One controller, you can see that the new gamepad has a flatter face, more prominent bumpers, the new Share button, and the redesigned D-Pad.
In terms of design, the controller looks like the previous official renderings of the Xbox Series X controller, which is also said to have matte texture on some buttons and dots on the rear bumper to help users to find.
What we have not seen before is a Series X controller in this ‘Robot White’ color. This is remarkable because so far we only know of a black Xbox Series X and controller. It would come as no complete surprise, however, as Xbox has sold both black and white versions of its consoles in the past, offering controllers to match.
The Xbox Series S, also known by its internal code name “Lockheart”, is thought to be a cheaper, less powerful version of the Series X, which serves as an entry-level gaming option on next gen.
With 7.5 GB of RAM, 4 teraflops of graphics performance and the CPU of the Xbox One, the Series S will be significantly less powerful than the Series X and the PS5. But if Microsoft can get the prices right, that power shortage will not matter for fans looking to play the latest games for the cheapest price possible.
Xbox has announced events on Monday that will reveal more details about its new console in advance, so expect a big news drop to happen later this month. PlayStation is doing something similar, keeping up with Xbox until both consoles go on sale later this year, probably around November.
From what the companies have announced so far, the Xbox Series X will be the console to buy if you want maximum graphics power and the benefits of cross-platform Smart Delivery feature. PS5 users will get a smaller amount of computing grunt, but will benefit from the DualSense controller’s juicy-sounding haptic system, and Sony’s new 3D audio feature.
