Microsoft to update Xbox console line for holiday season 2024 (updated)
Pedro Truffi/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is planning a mid-generation refresh of its Xbox videogame consoles in time for the 2024 holiday season, according to documents it's filed in its case against the Federal Trade Commission.
A product roadmap Microsoft has posted points to improvements to the Xbox Series X and Series S line including better power consumption, better storage and improved wireless technologies. But a new Series X would drop its physical disc drive (just as the Series S had), as the company pursues all-digital content delivery.
The filing was part of a mistaken posting on the part of Microsoft, Bloomberg reported. FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar tweeted that the FTC was not responsible for uploading the docs to the court website.
The projects code-named Brooklin and Ellewood would maintain current Series X and S pricing of $499 and $299 respectively, according to the documents.
The moves would come ahead of a next-generation Xbox to come in 2028, according to the materials.
A mid-line upgrade to videogame consoles has become typical, with Nintendo's (OTCPK:NTDOY) Switch serving as the key exception, largely unchanged since its 2017 launch. Microsoft and Sony (NYSE:SONY) rolled out their latest generation in 2020 but fought component supply constraints for some time afterward.
Meanwhile, the materials also show Microsoft considered buying console rival Nintendo (OTCPK:NTDOY) as recently as 2020, Bloomberg noted -- but Xbox chief Phil Spencer didn't think a hostile uphill battle to do the deal would be a "good move."

More on game console rivals

Microsoft: The Lost Decade Ahead
Buy Rating On Microsoft Ahead Of Its Next Leg Higher (Technical Analysis)
Sony: Economic Slowdown To Impact Hardware Business, Downgrade To Sell
Nintendo sees revenue surge aided by Super Mario movie, Zelda sales