Microsoft may bring Xbox Series X digital version

Long ago, reports emerged that Sony planned to make significant modifications to the PlayStation 5 in 2023, equipping it with a detachable Blu-ray drive, utilizing the USB-C port on the back of the console, and even revealing a patent for a modular drive design. As the internet continues to proliferate, more gamers are opting to download games online, reducing the need for optical drives. This not only cuts costs but also allows for the design of lighter and more compact gaming consoles.

Recently, Shpeshal Nick stated on his Xbox Era podcast that Microsoft is contemplating the release of a new gaming console without a Blu-ray drive, possibly the Xbox Series X digital edition, slated for 2025. The details of this new gaming console are still unclear, and it is uncertain whether it will be part of a mid-term upgrade with enhanced performance.

Releasing an Xbox Series X digital edition would be meaningful, as it would boast the same performance as the Xbox Series X but at a lower manufacturing cost. Although the currently available Xbox Series S digital edition has been selling well and has lowered the entry barrier to the Xbox platform, it has a significant performance gap compared to the Xbox Series X. Microsoft’s insistence that developers adhere to the same operating standards for next-generation console game development has led to situations where major titles like “Baldur’s Gate 3” were unable to meet requirements and subsequently had to postpone the Xbox version’s release.

According to Microsoft’s previously released statistics, the sales of the Xbox Series X/S have surpassed 21 million units, while the Xbox One series (including the original/One S/One X) has reached 58 million units, totaling over 79 million units combined.