After word got out early this morning, Microsoft decided to officially confirm and reveal the Xbox Series S console. Now that the company has announced its new gaming system, its representatives are able to speak a bit more freely about current events, which has led to one program manager's brief, though understandable, Twitter rant.
Microsoft's Brad Rossetti expressed his frustration with the recent Xbox Series S leak, reminding fans that many people "try hard to keep it under wraps for so many reasons." Although the official trailer for Microsoft's new portable console is now available, it only seems to have been released in response to early-morning leaks of the company's new product.
The initial leaks consisted of a retail price, images of the console, and a part of an alleged trailer. Shortly following the spread of the leaked details, Microsoft officially unveiled the portable next-gen console. After that, the official Xbox Series S trailer was uploaded by Microsoft as well. Now, with everything out in the open, it's clear that the Microsoft is going for an affordable gamechanger.
Fans seem to be relieved by the confirmation of a relatively reasonable price tag. Nowadays, a $300 next-gen console is a luxury relatively unheard of at release. Gamers hoping to take advantage of the highest-quality graphics and hardware capacities often have to pay upwards of $400 for a new gaming system, so this alone felt like a keynote feature for those watching the Series S official trailer.
Pricing aside, the console also features a notably portable design. The main promo image showcases the $299 Xbox Series S alongside a controller, highlighting the fact that it's roughly twice the size of an Xbox controller. Given its economic pricing and size, the Series S marks Microsoft's first significant venture into "budget" gaming console territory in recent history.
Whereas players often expect a "Lite" version of most Nintendo consoles, for example, Microsoft tends to frame their product releases as "Standard" and "Premium" versions (rather than Lite/Standard/Premium, or some other variation). Fans may have had the opportunity to purchase a "Slim" Xbox 360, but even so, the arguably bulky console was only marginally smaller than previous versions.
It's nice that Microsoft was willing to respond in meme, but with the Xbox Series S signifying such a pronounced departure from Microsoft's usual business models/precedents, it isn't difficult to see why dedicated employees like Mr. Rossetti would be up in arms about this. Not that a leak isn't already legitimately upsetting, but whether fans are aware of it or not, this particular leak signified a major internal shift for Microsoft - without a doubt, the folks over at Microsoft have been actively working to keep the console perfectly under wraps, and now, that work has been instantly voided by one, singular, leak.
Microsoft's Xbox Series S will be available on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.