Though the Xbox Series X was surprisingly revealed at The Game Awards 2019, there were no details given on the dimensions of the console itself. A lot of fan mock-ups, renders, and impressions have guessed the potential height and width of the console, but until Microsoft releases official numbers, measurements will have to be eye-balled. The most evident aspect of the new console, though, is in its roof-based ventilation system.
The primary issue with the new Xbox Series X is that it does not take a lot of eye-balling to understand that this box is not going to fit in certain entertainment stands and set-ups without some strange choices. The Xbox Series X was designed to avoid airflow problems as the fans are positioned to ventilate out of the top of the console.
Microsoft has had airflow trouble with its previous consoles, particularly the Xbox 360, so it makes sense that it would put as many resources as it can into making sure this new console does not suffer a similar fate. Though this problem seems to be solved for the most part with the Xbox being accessible either vertically or horizontally, the problem of airflow returns when taking into account the fact that this box will be placed inside of a stand somewhere.
The Xbox Series X may have to be exclusively used horizontally in a stand. The average entertainment stand can range in dimensions to about an average of two feet tall, or 20-28 inches in height by two to four feet inches in length by 12-16 inches in width.
Putting the new Xbox into an entertainment stand horizontally, depending on the type of stand, can leave about another foot’s worth of space. If anything is placed adjacent to the console, such as a stack of game cases, then the space for airflow becomes severely reduced and the console could potentially operate in a hotter environment than intended.
The Xbox Series X could be placed vertically, on top of an entertainment stand or elsewhere, but at an estimated height of around a foot, the console could still be under the risk of being toppled over. This could be solved if the weight of the console is significant or if it is just bottom-heavy, but details on weight have yet to be revealed.
Another problem with the new Xbox’s verticality is the collection of dust. If the console is going to primarily be used vertically, without consistent cleaning, dust will drop directly on top of the console’s ventilation system which will inevitably cause it to run hotter and drain more power.
Basically, the new Xbox in its vertical position is highly susceptible to the accumulation of dust or anything that can damage a computer, such as liquids from air fresheners and the like, meaning that the more console-conscious consumers will have no choice but to find space for the Xbox to be positioned horizontally. This leads back to the aforementioned problems with placing the new Xbox horizontally. PC towers are not typically meant to be laying down on a shelf, especially not one that has its fan system on top of the console.
There is a good portion of consumers that do not care where to put a new console so long as it can play new and exciting games. If a general consumer was to place objects on top of the console, basically using it as a mini-table, the ventilation of the Xbox would be drastically affected.
The Xbox Series X’s problems in regards to its dimensions and its ability to fit in certain spots are not exactly fixable in its current state. Being touted as the most powerful console in history, Microsoft has a clear target audience of hardcore, spec-loving gamers for this particular console. If rumors of a weaker, streaming-only Xbox were to join the Series X of consoles, then Microsoft could have a chance to build something that regular consumers can enjoy.
The problem with the new Xbox’s ventilation, though, can be solved with enough marketing or even displaying a warning during start-up. How this is all handled and how big of a problem this proves to be remains to be seen, but thus far, the reception of the Series X had proven to be better than that of the original Xbox One.
TheXbox Series X is scheduled to be released holiday 2020.