Court Docs Reveal Microsoft Is Planning Xbox Series X Refresh With New Controller In 2024

Microsoft representatives and Xbox representatives attended court multiple times in the first half of this year for Activision Blizzard’s $69 Billion acquisition to be legally approved. During court, documents, emails and other information were kept secret from the press and public. Xbox’s Phil Spencer was rumored to have considered buying Nintendo and Warner Bros. Games. Microsoft is also planning a refresh of the Xbox Series X/S next year, along with a controller featuring gyro and haptic feedback. The Verge.

The Xbox Series X refresh is known as “Brooklin” and, most notably, does not have a disc drive, much like Sony’s PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which costs less than the disc version of the PS5. Microsoft documents reveal that Brooklin “will deliver 4K Gen9 gaming on a console with increased internal storage and faster Wi-Fi. It will also have a reduced power consumption, an immersive controller, as well as a gorgeous redesign to elevate the Xbox ecosystem’s all-digital experience.”

Brooklin has opted for a cylindrical shape instead of the rectangular Xbox Series X. In the document it is stated that there will be 2TB for storage of games. There will also be a USB-C port on front with power delivery. The Xbox controller will be updated and the price is $499. This is exactly what you would pay for a Xbox Series X on launch day. 

Documents from Xbox reveal that the controller is called “Sebile.” Documents reveal it’ll feature haptic input, similar to DualSense, as well as other features like an accelerometer and special haptics. The thumbsticks themselves will have a modular design with an “improved lifespan”. [and]Continued build improvements.” Plus, a new “lift to wake” feature will seemingly let players pick up the controller to turn it on. The battery is also rechargeable. 

There’s also “Ellewood,” which is the Xbox Series S refresh planned for next year if internal documents are anything to go by. It will cost $299, feature 1TB of internal storage, better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the new “Sebile” Xbox controller, better power efficiency, and more. Document states that Ellewood “will deliver Gen9 gaming consoles with increased internal storage, faster WiFI, reduced power and a controller more immersive, at the same affordable cost.” 

Microsoft just launched a 1TB Xbox Series S this month, but it’s black and doesn’t feature some of the improvements planned for Ellewood. 

The VergeMicrosoft has tentatively planned to release the updated Xbox Series X and Xbox Series X refreshed in September 2024. 

You can read more about the internal documents Microsoft used in its court case that revealed Xbox’s Phil Spencer was considering acquiring Nintendo or Warner Bros. Games. 

What are your thoughts on these Xbox Series X/S updates? Tell us what you think in the comments!