Console launches are often the true test of finalized hardware, and not always a test that consoles pass. Today, videos of Xbox Series X systems smoking went viral online, though they were quickly proven to be fake. The culprit appears to have been vape smoke being blown into the console, and is apparently so widespread of an issue that Xbox has asked fans to stop.
Over on Xbox's Twitter, the console manufacturer urged fans to stop blowing smoke into the system, stating, "We can't believe we have to say this, but please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X." Obviously, blowing vape smoke into the console is a bad idea for a number of reasons, though that hasn't stopped those trying to make Xbox look bad, or fans that just want to see the effect first hand.
However, vape smoke is quite literally vapor, and considering that the Xbox Series X is an electronic device, blowing that vapor into it is a terrible idea for anyone that wants their console to last. Admittedly, it does look kind of cool seeing the smoke come out of the console – at least as long as viewers know the console won't catch on fire. It's something like a large air purifier, but again, it will almost certainly result in a busted console.
Vape smoke aside, the Xbox Series X launch appears to be going smoothly. There have been a few reports of consoles breaking and technical issues, though that's to be expected whenever a new device is launched. One of the biggest hiccups is shipping delays, which has less to do with the console itself than it does with logistics and shipping, or in some cases, lack of availability for the consoles themselves.
On the whole, with Xbox Series X reviews being positive and fans now receiving their systems, Xbox can count this as a win, barring any last-minute disasters. Now, the key is nailing the entirely new generation games that lie ahead of it. As Xbox is taking a platform approach rather than just traditional hardware, it isn't entirely clear what that will look like, but the future does seem bright.
The PS5 launches tomorrow, and fans will undoubtedly be messing with it in equally interesting ways as some have played around with the Series X. Whether that involves vape smoke or something else entirely is anyone's guess, though. Odds are that at least someone will try it, just to see what happens.