Microsoft launches digital-only version of the Series X on the market
Microsoft is revamping its range of consoles: In addition to new storage variants, the company has announced a Series X without a drive.
Microsoft launches new Xbox models - including a Series X without a drive.
(Image: Microsoft)
White and without a drive: During a livestream on Sunday evening, Microsoft announced a new version of the Xbox Series X, which was previously only available in black and with a drive. Microsoft is thus following the example of its competitor Sony, which has been offering the PlayStation 5 without a drive as an option since its launch.
In terms of form factor, the drive-less Series X does not appear to differ from the previous model – only the drive slot is missing. This is likely to result in a lower price, but Microsoft has not yet provided any details. Sony's PlayStation consoles were priced at 100 euros when they went on sale, and Microsoft could also take this as a guide.
While the drive-less version of Sony's PlayStation 5 was at least slimmer, the new Xbox Series X – apart from its white color and price – has no direct advantages. Interested parties will therefore have to consider whether the expected lower purchase price is worth doing without a drive. Games can only be purchased digitally.
Series S with more storage space
According to Microsoft, the choice remains possible: the drive-less Series X is intended as an add-on to the previous version and does not replace it. Microsoft promises that the Series X without a drive will be available from Christmas. It is not yet clear in which regions it will be available.
Microsoft's smaller console, the Series S, is only available without a drive. It is also technically weaker. However, a variant of the Series S with increased storage space will be launched on the market for Christmas sales: the current Series S only has 500 GB of space for games, while the new Series S has 1 TByte. Those who would like even more space for games will soon be able to choose the Special Edition of the Series X: it has 2 TByte instead of just 1 TByte of storage space. The Special Edition of the Series X also comes with green decorative elements – and a drive.
(dahe)