Nothing spoils a relaxing evening of gaming like realising your favourite game’s disk has been lost or, even worse, scratched.
But luckily, Microsoft has now revealed a new white version of the Xbox Series X console that is entirely digital.
On the inside, Microsoft says the console is exactly the same as the previous Series X with the only difference being the absence of a disk drive.
The console is set to retail at $449.99 (UK price yet to be announced) and includes 1 terabyte of memory – enough to store 250 HD movies.
The Series X Digital Edition is expected to be available for ‘holiday 2024’ alongside two other new console designs, with pre-order details due in the coming months.
Microsoft has revealed a new all-digital version of the Xbox Series X console due to release later this year at $449.99
The new ‘all digital’ Series X features the same ‘Robot White’ colour that was originally used on the slimmer, more affordable Series S.
However, in almost every other detail the Digital Edition is identical to the previous Series X model – offering the same performance across all games.
The only difference is that games will need to be downloaded directly to the console rather than purchased on disks.
The new console designs were announced by Xbox president Sarah Bond at yesterday’s Xbox Games Showcase.
For truly serious gamers, Ms Bond also unveiled a version of the Xbox Series X with even more storage.
The Galaxy Black Special Edition features a disk drive, a limited edition colour, as well as an impressive 2TB of inbuilt storage.
In a blog post, Xbox hardware chief Roanne Sones said: ‘This new special edition Xbox Series X delivers the same speed, performance and features of Xbox Series X, but with twice the storage and a unique design.’
The new digital edition Series X features all the same hardware as the original but does not include a disk drive
This high-end option will cost $599.99 and only a limited number will be produced.
Ms Bond also revealed that the Xbox Series S would get a Robot White option with an improved 1TB memory.
This marks a serious upgrade from the Series S’s original 512 GB but also comes with an upgraded price tag of $349.99.
That makes it more expensive compared with the Series S at $299.99 but still cheaper than the Series X at $499.99.
The console joins the Carbon Black 1TB Series S which Microsoft revealed at last year’s Xbox Games Showcase.
The launch is one of three new versions of the Xbox Series X and Series S revealed yesterday at the Xbox Games Showcase
Microsoft also revealed a limited version Xbox Series X with a disk drive and 2TB of inbuilt storage at $599.99
However, the release of the all-digital Series X console may finally put to bed rumours that Microsoft is planning to refresh its console line before the end of the year.
Last year, internal documents accidentally released in court filings revealed a redesigned version of the Series X apparently due to be released in October 2024.
The new console would have been cylindrical in shape – not cuboid like the current Series X – and was described as ‘all-digital’.
If true, this would be the first time that Microsoft had released a major new product since the Series S and Series X first hit the shops in November 2020.
However, with the new digital edition Series X expected to go on sale during the holiday period, it does not seem likely that we will see a new console this year.
The launch also revealed a new Xbox Series S in white with 1TB of storage at $349.99
Leaked documents showed that Microsoft was planning to release a cylindrical all-digital console by October 2024 (pictured) but yesterday’s release suggests this may not be coming
This comes after Microsoft revealed it would cut around 1,900 jobs in its gaming division, including within its Xbox team.
The cuts represent around eight per cent of Microsoft’s gaming division, which is said to consist of around 22,000 employees.
Microsoft has not yet given any more details on when UK gamers will be able to get their hands on the new consoles.
Estimated retail prices are currently given only in Euros and US dollars and the company says that these models will not be available in all regions.
More information about regional availability is due to be released later in the coming months as pre-order information is released.
MailOnline has contacted Microsoft for additional information.
