Xbox Series S - Microsoft’s second next-gen console revealed in controller leak - Android

For those who don’t need the muscle of the Xbox Series X to game in 4K but still want to snag a next-gen console, you may be in luck as a fresh leak has revealed a controller and packaging for the Xbox Series S.

It’s long been rumored that Microsoft is preparing to launch two next-gen consoles this year. We’ve already seen the super-powered Series X, but the other is expected to give gamers on a budget a more affordable option to play future Xbox games. Now, it seems that the name of this console has appeared online.

Outed by Twitter user Zak S, the packaging of a new Xbox controller seemingly confirms the console’s name as the Xbox Series S. It also shows Android, iOS, the Xbox One, and Windows 10 under the list of supported devices.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/29/21307365/microsoft-xbox-series-s-lockhart-console-launch-august-rumors

Xbox series X controller found in the wild!! pic.twitter.com/TEns4z45CB

— Zak S (@zakk_exe) August 9, 2020

The Twitter user reportedly purchased the controller on a mobile marketplace for $35, which now seems like a pretty stellar deal. The Verge later confirmed that the controller is authentic.

The controller features a Share Button in the middle of its body, with a D-pad more reminiscent of the current Xbox Series X controller. It also swaps those subtle contours around the Xbox logo for a flatter surface. Zak S remarks the “size and feel of the controller is amazing.”

The size and feel of the controller is amazing!! pic.twitter.com/zQvY9qVbRX

— Zak S (@zakk_exe) August 10, 2020

Xbox Series S: What might it offer?

While the packaging doesn’t shed light on the Xbox Series S’s release date or specifications, the console is rumored to make an appearance in August.

Earlier leaks suggest the Xbox Series S will share silicon with the Xbox Series X, but will cut down on GPU processing power and RAM. It’s not yet clear if the Xbox Series S will offer backward compatibility like the Xbox Series X. It’s unclear whether or not the Series S will feature a disc drive.

See also: The best Xbox deals available right now

Pricing is also currently unconfirmed, but Microsoft may want to undercut the PS5 duo when they launch later this year, and especially the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which is expected to be cheaper than the core PlayStation 5 console. The original Xbox One S started at $249 for the 500GB model and topped out at $399 for the 2TB variant.