New leaks reveal Xbox Series X price and Series S design

UPDATE 9/9/20: Xbox has released a new Series S promo video along with a round-up of its features, confirming the disc drive is no more.

UPDATE 8/9/20: Microsoft has confirmed the design and pricing of the Xbox Series S via Twitter.

When the Xbox Series X was announced back in July, we were wowed by its next-gen specs, including boosted CPU (3.8GHz), GPU (1.825GHz), RAM (16GB), max resolution (8K) and frame rate (120fps). But with such significant improvements, we had a feeling it would take quite the chunk out of our bank accounts. Well, now we know we were right, with South African retailer Pringles valuing the new console at R13,500 – around $1,107 on Aussie shores. However, American insiders are reporting an RRP of US$499, which would come closer to $685, so the Australian price will probably fall somewhere between the two estimates.

If either pricing proves to be accurate, it’ll be the most expensive Xbox release so far. When the current flagship Xbox One X was released, it came with a comparatively modest $640 RRP price tag.

However, leaked renders and pricing from YouTuber Brad Sams suggest Microsoft will also be catering to the mid-range gamer with the Xbox Series S. The budget-friendly console is about half the size of its luxe sibling, but still packs quite the punch – and all at less than half the price of the X at US$299 (approximately $411 in Aussie dollars).

If the renders are anything to go by, aesthetically speaking, the Series S looks more like part of the Xbox One lineup than a launch partner of the Series X. The largely white body features a prominent round, black vent, and appears to have done away with the disc drive.

The ball is now very much in Sony’s court, with PlayStation 5 pricing expected to place it head-to-head with Microsoft’s newest offerings.

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S will be released on 11 November. For a full round-up of the Xbox Series X, check out our in-depth guide.