FTC v. Microsoft: new documents detail an Xbox Series X refresh in 2024, codenamed Brooklin, including a new controller and cylindrical, disc-less design

Microsoft is planning to refresh its Xbox Series X console in 2024 with an all-new design and features.

The Verge 2023-09-19 Tom Warren

Context & Ripple Effects

The filing surfaced a mid-cycle Xbox hardware plan after Microsoft had already established the Series X as its next-generation console. It matters less as a confirmed launch roadmap than as an unusually detailed view of how Microsoft was evaluating a revised form factor and controller.

The later coverage provides an important check on leaked roadmaps: reports subsequently described a white disc-less Series X that kept the existing chassis, while a later teardown found redesigned internals in the released diskless model. That divergence suggests the product direction endured even if the disclosed industrial design did not.

First-order effects

Microsoft’s console roadmap and planned controller changes became visible to consumers, retail partners, and competitors before any formal announcement.
A disc-less Series X plan would immediately put physical-media compatibility and the console’s digital purchasing path at the center of buyer considerations.

Second-order effects

Retailers and game publishers would have to assess whether a disc-less flagship shifts more software and add-on sales toward Microsoft’s digital storefront, potentially reducing the role of packaged-game inventory.
Competitors would face added pressure to articulate the value of their own physical-media options and digital-store ecosystems as Microsoft tests a revised Series X proposition.

Third-order effects

The gap between the leaked cylindrical concept and later reporting on an existing-chassis diskless model shows that mid-cycle console refreshes can preserve the strategic shift toward digital distribution while changing the hardware implementation.
If disc-less variants become the default rather than an option, console makers gain more control over software distribution, while physical retail and resale become less central to the platform economy.

The trend: This is one data point in the console industry’s gradual move from optical-media hardware toward digitally controlled software ecosystems.

Discussion

Gameranx Ryan Parreno on x
Xbox's Mid-Gen Refresh Starts In 2024, Upgrades Hardware But Removes Physical Games
@jasonimison@mastodon.social Jason Imison on mastodon
I used Xbox Cloud Gaming earlier while tethered to a 4G signal with 1 bar. — Worked surprisingly well.
@wario64 @wario64 on x
Fallout 3 Remaster, Ghostwire Tokyo Sequel, Dishonored 3, Oblivion Remaster, Doom Year Zero appear on a release schedule list https://www.resetera.com/... [image]
@wario64 @wario64 on x
Xbox Series X Refresh/mid-gen info leaked thanks to FTC documents https://www.resetera.com/... -Xbox Series X refresh digital only (2TB storage), target launch Oct 2024 -New Xbox controller with gyro Source from attachments in PDF https://files.cand.uscourts.gov/ ... [image]
@okami13_ @okami13_ on x
Details on a planned Xbox Series X mid-gen console revision have leaked via official FTC documents. • All digital Series X with 2TB storage • New Xbox controller with gyro and haptic feedback • Same price and horsepower (not a Pro console) • Targeting release in October 2024... […
@wario64 @wario64 on x
“Next Generation Xbox early details (Release in 2028, Cloud-Hybrid games, potentially switching to Arm)” https://www.resetera.com/... [image]
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
a massive amount of highly confidential and unredacted Microsoft docs have leaked as part of the FTC v. Microsoft case. They were attached to a single file and incorrectly hidden and posted publicly. A huge error that has led to a giant leak. More to come.
@fosspatents Florian Mueller on x
Just so no one thinks I'm defending the FTC: The FTC's litigation conduct concerning Microsoft-ActivisionBlizzard has been absolutely outrageous and disingenuous from the get-go. 🧵1/5
@fosspatents Florian Mueller on x
They wanted Judge Corley and the appeals court to ignore relevant facts (10-yr agreements). They insulted human intelligence by asking Phil Spencer a question that incredibly equated the one-time cost of 3rd-party exclusives with an acquisition of a profitable company. 🧵3/5
@fosspatents Florian Mueller on x
They knew that Nintendo's next console would offer a far higher level of performance, yet disputed that CoD could run on the next Switch and that Nintendo was part of the relevant market. They pursued the console theory of harm after virtually everyone else dropped it. 🧵 5/5
@fosspatents Florian Mueller on x
They purposely delayed their PI motion until shortly before a contractual deadline. They engaged in forum-shopping (Microsoft would have agreed to litigate the PI motion in D.C.). They asked Microsoft questions like they were Sony's negotiators. 🧵2/5
@fosspatents Florian Mueller on x
They argued that their own decisions should be treated as applicable case law when they sue companies in federal court. They disclosed confidential and sensitive business information. 🧵4/5
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
The Elder Scrolls VI will skip PS5 and isn't coming until at least 2026, according to documents from Microsoft in the FTC v. Microsoft case. Details: https://www.theverge.com/... [image]
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
this is the biggest Xbox leak in history. Bigger than the Fortaleza leak that detailed the Xbox One, simply because this includes Microsoft's hardware and platform strategy, unredacted internal communications, and more. You don't usually see this much leak https://www.theverge.co…
@twthereddragon @twthereddragon on x
Bethesda game release schedule leaked from FTC Case - huge dump of unredacted Microsoft Xbox documents Mid-gen Xbox refresh coming - looks like they're making a Dyson - no power increase - just removing features like making Xbox Series X all digital looks like - you're stuck... […
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Microsoft is tentatively targeting 2028 for a next-gen Xbox console, according to internal Microsoft documents from the FTC v. Microsoft case [image]
@jmaine518 @jmaine518 on x
Damn the Xbox Series X Slim a new Xbox controller with DualSense features and the Bethesda lineup over the next few years all just got leaked 😬
@prettyobvious7 Aaron on x
IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN [image]
@synthpotato @synthpotato on x
Okay so this is insane & easily the biggest gaming leak of the year FTC leaked documents from Microsoft and Bethesda that have confirmed the following: - Red Dead Redemption 2 for next gen is planned - Xbox Series X disk less refresh design - New Xbox controller with haptic... [i…
@thicc_stick_boi @thicc_stick_boi on x
The xbox series X mid gen refresh is not an upgrade at all.
@synthpotato @synthpotato on x
I don't mean to be mean but what the fuck is the new Xbox Series X design 💀💀💀 The new controller finally has haptic feedback though so big W there [image]
@zhugeex Daniel Ahmad on x
First it was sharpiegate. Now we have attachmentgate.
@doesitplay1 @doesitplay1 on x
Xbox are potentially abandoning physical media in 2024
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
This is Microsoft's new disc-less Xbox Series X design with a new controller. This refreshed Xbox Series X will launch next November, complete with a front USB-C port, 2TB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 support. Full details here: https://www.theverge.com/...
@benjisales Benji-Sales on x
It appears 2024 may see the launches of • Next-Generation Switch • PlayStation 5 Pro • Xbox Series X and S Hardware Refreshes Gonna be a wild year
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Microsoft also has a new Xbox controller on the way with an accelerometer inside for gyro support. It will be launched later this year and ship with the Xbox Series X / S refresh consoles. Details: https://www.theverge.com/... [image]
r/xboxone r on reddit
[The Verge] Microsoft's New All-Digital Xbox Series X Design with New Controller
r/MicrosoftRewards r on reddit
Start Saving those Points for the Refresh Console
r/gme_meltdown r on reddit
Xbox going disc-less
r/quake r on reddit
FTC leak implies id's next game is another DOOM, not Quake 5
r/Games r on reddit
Mid-gen Xbox roadmap hardware leak from FTC case. Series S| X refresh
r/GyroGaming r on reddit
New Xbox Controller has GYRO!!!!!!
r/Games r on reddit
Bethesda title release schedule leaked (Fallout 3 Remaster, DOOM Year Zero, Dishonored 3, Ghostwire Tokyo 2, etc.
r/gaming r on reddit
This is Microsoft's new disc-less Xbox Series X design with a new gyro controller
r/gaming r on reddit
Elder Scrolls VI will allegedly skip PS5 according to FTC case
Gameranx Ryan Parreno on x
Microsoft Talked About Buying Nintendo in 2020 (No, Seriously)
Pure Xbox Fraser Gilbert on x
Xbox's Phil Spencer Was Dead Serious About Wanting To Acquire Nintendo In 2020
@harrymccracken@mastodon.social Harry McCracken on mastodon
We could have had Mario XP 20 for Windows Platinum Edition Pro Service Pack SP3. https://www.pushsquare.com/...
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
internal Microsoft email from Xbox chief Phil Spencer discussing Nintendo as a potential acquisition target and Warner Bros. Games [image]
@stealth40k @stealth40k on x
There are many things I like about Phil Spencer, but his obsession with acquisitions isn't one of them. This email was sent at the height of Switch's popularity. Nintendo would have laughed them out the room again. [image]
@nib95_ @nib95_ on x
Look at the language Phil Spencer uses here. You'd think career moments would be things like innovating, creating great product, games etc, but for Phil Spencer, acquiring Nintendo would be his “career moment”. Sigh...
@iamalitayyeb @iamalitayyeb on x
Phil Spencer is the worst thing to happen to the gaming industry. His strategy of saving the dying Xbox platform is to take the most successful video game companies like Valve and Nintendo down with him. [image]
@headfallsoff @headfallsoff on x
i'm in favour of phil spencer buying nintendo in a succession-like fit of arrogance because 1. it would be funny 2. it would be a great day on here 3. when the entire industry burns due to unstable consolidation we can all play 60fps hyrule warriors in the rubble
@jiikae @jiikae on x
Phil Spencer: “Its taking Nintendo a long time to see the future outside of their hardware...we should buy them” Also Phil Spencer: “We just discovered gyro” [image]
@multicallum Callum Hurley on x
A future where Microsoft owns Nintendo sounds horrific.
@spawnwavemedia @spawnwavemedia on x
Microsoft...playing the long game for a Nintendo or Valve? https://twitter.com/...
@zuby_tech @zuby_tech on x
Microsoft And Phil Spencer: “We are playing the long game (On acquiring Nintendo).”
@laurakbuzz Laura Kate Dale on x
Really interesting reading these leaked emails about Microsoft wanting to aquire Nintendo. I find the part about how “Nintendo's future isn'te on Nintendo Hardware” really interesting, given their hardware is selling a lot better than Microsoft's :P https://www.eurogamer.net/...
@laurakbuzz Laura Kate Dale on x
It feels to me like Spencer fundamentally misunderstands Nintendo here. They view themselves as a toy maker. They're a creator of weird novelties, silly games, and unexpected projects. An Xbox aquired Nintendo probably wouldn't be releasing Labo kits and AR kart racing toys.
@postup_sog @postup_sog on x
Wait so Microsoft was ready to acquire Zenimax ✅ Warner Bros (Still a possibility) Nintendo (playing the long game) Valve(???) And TikTok (wasn't able to) Maaaaan [video]
@ultimashadowx @ultimashadowx on x
PHIL, WAKE UP [image]
@genepark Gene Park on x
this is so wild.
@gazondaily Gaz on x
Holy shit EVERYTHING is on the cards for Microsoft! Even Ninendo! This email is pure nightmare fuel for the anti consolidation crew. [image]
@pure_ps @pure_ps on x
Phil Spencer still hopeful of acquiring ‘Nintendo’, naming it a ‘Career Move’ for Xbox! Did he forget how Microsoft were laughed out of the room when they proposed the very idea of an acquisition, a long time ago Absolutely delusional oversimplification of the concept of Growth […
@medster101 @medster101 on x
Phil Spencer is really out here talking about buying Nintendo and Valve??? This dude is absolutely the worst thing to happen to gaming since micro-transactions [image]
@nadiaoxford Nadia Oxford on x
Nintendo avoiding the Microsoft acquisition Sharknado by running the company like responsible human beings:
@wario64 @wario64 on x
Phil Spencer - “At some point, getting Nintendo would be a career moment and I honestly believe a good move for both companies. It's just taking a long time for Nintendo to see that their future exists off of their own hardware. A long time.... :-)” https://www.resetera.com/... […
@tha_rami Rami Ismail on x
I think the one thing in this email that gets me is the suggestion that more *capitalism* from aggressive US shareholders could create a scenario where Nintendo could effectively be weakened into a merger.
@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
In Aug. 2020 Phil Spencer mulled prospects of buying Nintendo (or Valve), said Microsoft's board “are fully supportive on either if opportunity arises” Thought outside investment in N might create more opportunity for MS, but “I don't think a hostile action would be a good move” …
@firstdrafthell Patrik Svensson on x
I really don't like the concept of “cloud first games”. I don't want an internet connection to be required to play the games I bought. I hope this is just a fad that doesn't work out in the long run.
@n3wis @n3wis on x
Based on this document from Verge: Seems that mid-gen refresh from Xbox is aimed on FY25-26 and 2-3 years later FY28-29 (Next) Gen10. https://www.theverge.com/... @XcloudTimdog @Gazondaily @Rand_al_Thor_19 @Zalker87 @Colteastwood @JezCorden @The_CrapGamer [image]
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
Microsoft is once again considering a hybrid computing platform for its next-gen Xbox, expected in 2028 https://www.theverge.com/...
r/hardware r on reddit
Microsoft's next Xbox, coming 2028, envisions hybrid computing
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
I've seen some claim the Xbox leak was intentional. It absolutely was not. Microsoft wouldn't leak its confidential roadmap and internal conversations. That's not how any of this works. This was either an error from the court or the Microsoft legal side.
@kevincollier Kevin Collier on x
The FTC is not happy it's getting blamed for this: “Microsoft was responsible for the error in uploading these documents to the court.” https://www.nbcnews.com/...

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