The Xbox Series X is entering its fourth year on the market and Microsoft is gearing up to launch its mid-generation replacement code name Brooklin as early as this summer.
According to leaked FCC documents which surfaced during Microsoft’s battle with the FTC over its Activision Blizzard acquisition, the company’s Xbox hardware line is due for a full design refresh that includes consoles, controllers, and headsets.
The leaked documents detail several of the changes coming to both the Xbox Series X and S as well as a projected timeline for their release. Based on the leaked documents, a new Xbox Series X console (codename Brooklin), Xbox Series Controller (codename Sebile) and the Series S (codename Ellewood) are scheduled to receive public acknowledgement sometime around June or July of this year.
Sebile, the updated Xbox Series control is described as a “more immersive” controller that will include new ‘mobile app features” such as being able to see and manage paired devices as well as VCA haptics which double as speakers in the handles. Microsoft is also making note of its sustainability efforts as Sebile is made up of more resin parts, plastic, and fiberglass.
Like Google Stadia, Sebile will come with a ‘direct-to-cloud’ connection button that presumably launches Xbox Cloud content. Sebile should be instantly recognizable as a second-generation controller for the Xbox Series based on its two-tone panda colorway design and should launch during the June/July hardware refresh for $69.99.
Ellewood looks identical to current Series S consoles but comes with ‘updated technologies’ that include Wi-Fi 6E radios, Bluetooth 5.2, an all-new sound bridge supporting modern IO, and 1TB of internal storage for $299.
Lastly, Brooklin is the biggest change up in Microsoft’s mid-gen hardware refresh with the Series X losing its vertical box appearance for the rounded 2013 Apple Mac trash can look. The new circular Xbox Series X will come with the same ‘updated technologies’ as Ellenwood with the addition of support for 4K gaming, more internal storage at 2TB’s, better power efficiency, and a starting price of $499.
Based on its own internal documentation, Microsoft should have something in the way of an announcement for these new consoles and controller in June or July which lines up with its yearly summer Xbox Games Showcase event. The prices for Xbox Series’ hardware include $69.99 for the new improved controller, $299.99 for the refreshed Series S, and $499.99, respectively.
We’ll see if Microsoft sticks to its own plans and ships these pieces of hardware this year.
