During the recent Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft made an unexpected announcement that caught the gaming community off guard. While fans anticipated news about new games, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, revealed an upgrade to the Xbox Series S console. Although it isn’t a new generation of Xbox, Microsoft is introducing a new model to its existing lineup. The Xbox Series S will now be available in a stunning Carbon Black colorway, accompanied by a 1TB hard drive and a sleek black controller.
The announcement, accompanied by an impressive promotional trailer, showcased the Xbox Series S in all its glory. Set to release on September 1st, 2023, the Carbon Black variant will be priced at $349. Gamers who desire the striking color and extra storage will need to invest an additional $50. While many enthusiasts will eagerly await its release, not everyone shares the same sentiment, as personal preferences and gaming requirements vary.
For some gamers, the appeal of the Carbon Black model lies in the increased storage capacity. With games often exceeding 100GB in size, a larger hard drive becomes essential. The ability to store multiple games without the need for frequent deletions is a significant advantage. However, for others, a 500GB hard drive is perfectly sufficient. Depending on individual gaming setups and preferences, different models cater to specific needs.
One individual, despite acknowledging the popularity of the Carbon Black variant, found the white and black design of the original Series S more appealing. This preference highlights the diverse tastes within the gaming community. While some may eagerly pre-order the Carbon Black model, others will continue to enjoy their existing Series S consoles.
In the case of the individual mentioned earlier, the current Series S perfectly suits their gaming setup. With a high-quality LG UltraGear monitor and a Series X console in their office, they desire to relocate the Series X to their living room for an immersive single-player gaming experience on a large 65-inch Sony A80J OLED TV. As their primary multiplayer game is Battlefield 2042, which they play with friends, the Series S’s capability to support 1440p resolution and deliver 120 FPS is ideal for their gaming setup. With a 27-inch monitor and no immediate need for 4K resolution, the Series S fulfills their multiplayer gaming requirements.
While this individual finds the current Series S model perfect for their needs, it is evident that many gamers will benefit from the Carbon Black variant’s 1TB hard drive, particularly if it is their only Xbox console. Microsoft recognizes this as a major selling point in their marketing campaign. The upgraded model retains the next-gen speed and performance of the 512GB Series S while doubling the storage capacity, allowing players to download and store even more of their favorite games.
However, for those content with a 500GB drive, there is an opportunity to acquire a used Series S console at an attractive price point, sometimes under $200. This presents an appealing option for gamers seeking to create their ideal gaming setup in both the living room and gaming room without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s surprise announcement of the Xbox Series S upgrade with a Carbon Black variant and enhanced storage has elicited mixed reactions from gamers. While some are captivated by the new color and increased storage, others find the existing model perfectly suitable for their gaming preferences. With diverse gaming setups and individual requirements, both the Carbon Black and original Series S consoles offer unique advantages to cater to the needs of various gamers.
