The consoles announced at Microsoft's summer showcase are going on sale today. There are a total of three new Xbox Series X|S to choose from, but only one is equipped with an integrated drive. A disappointment that concerns gamers. Opinions on the digitization of game consoles are divided in extensive discussions. On Reddit, users make it clear that they will not buy models without a drive - despite many years of loyalty to Xbox. Is it really time for a step backwards in terms of console digitization?
In the summer showcase, Microsoft announced three new consoles. Two of them were "All Digital" and - and this caused a disappointed murmur to run through the comments online - only slight technical upgrades compared to the previous models. The new Xbox Series S - Robot White comes to the player with a 1 TB SSD, which is twice as much storage space as the Carbon Black from last year offered.
Within the Xbox Series X – 1TB – Digital Edition In comparison, nothing has changed in terms of technical data, except that, as the name suggests, it is all digital. For Xbox fans, the complete digitization of the consoles is not a groundbreaking innovation. The less powerful Xbox Series S has been on the market in a similar form since 2020.
All-Digital is not a new invention at Xbox
The third model, the Xbox Series X-2 TB Galaxy Black Special Edition, offers twice as much storage as its predecessor. Equipped with an SSD of two terabytes instead of one and a, in our opinion, pretty cool design in black with white and green dots, reminiscent of a cluster of stars, the new Xbox Series X console is a sight to behold.
The biggest advantage for many gamers, however, seems to be the integrated drive. If you pay attention to the numerous voices on Reddit that say in different words: "No physical media = never buy an Xbox again!" The reasons vary from a passion for collecting, power outages and games that have already been bought. Most of the comments against the all-digital consoles without a drive seem understandable.
Microsoft is promoting the Xbox Series X - 1TB Digital Edition with a cheap and digital offer compared to the previous model: "This is a perfect option for digital-first gamers who want to experience the speed and power of the Xbox Series X for only $449,99/€499,99 ERP." At launch, the previous model with a drive, the Series X in Carbon Black, costs €499,99 in the Microsoft Xbox Store on Amazon. The digital Series X in Robot White in the same store also costs €499,99. We cannot detect any price difference.
Concerned, a Reddit user asks in relation to the price: "Will the old Series X with a drive still be produced?" and receives almost exclusively pessimistic answers. The new console leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the community. This cannot be consoled by the fact that the digital version will provide Game Pass subscribers with new games to play as soon as they are released. This year, these include titles such as "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6", "Avowed" and "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle". The purchase price for the Xbox Series X - Galaxy Black - Special Edition with a drive also seems too high to many interested parties at currently 649,99 euros (exclusive) in the Microsoft shop.
Would a step backwards in the digitization of consoles be appropriate?
In my opinion, it is fundamentally wrong to demand de-digitalization. Technology thrives on development in every respect. But I also appreciate the advantages of a drive in a technically "up to date" console. I would like to be able to decide for myself whether I use a physical data storage device or a digital offering. The Xbox Series X has offered me exactly that so far.
To put it simply, with the two new models I have to decide whether I want to buy a technically unadvanced but all-digital console with no price difference to the previous model, or one with more storage space and a drive for (currently) an additional charge of 150 euros. In my opinion, even a single technically advanced console with an integrated drive and digital offering, alongside the slightly upgraded Xbox Series S - 1TB - Robot White, would have been sufficient.
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