Recent leaks seem to indicate that there will be three versions of the next Xbox. The Xbox Series X, the rumored Xbox Series S, and codenames for Edinburgh and Count have appeared. The two console model has become the standard for Xbox, but three consoles might be too much for the consumer.
What Would A Third Xbox Series X Console Accomplish?
The two models of Xbox have always made sense. The Series X and Xbox One X consoles represent powerful consoles. They’re supposed to be top-of-the-line hardware that represent the best consoles can offer. The Series S and Xbox One S offer cheaper alternatives to the Xbox Series X and Xbox One X. Gamers buying these consoles will still get a great Xbox console experience, but at half the price.
There are no official details about the Xbox Series S. The rumors indicate that the console will be half the price of the Series X, and it will be a digital-only console, similar to the PlayStation 5 digital edition. The Xbox Series X promises to be the world’s most powerful console. The Xbox Series S will probably be a cheaper alternative to the Series X. So what would a third version of the next Xbox even do that the other two consoles won’t? It does not make sense to release a third version of the Xbox console because Series X and Series S fill the two extremes of consumer need.
COVID-19
2020 has been a terrible year for everyone. The effects of COVID-19 on the gaming industry have included game delays and console shortages. Console shortages should affect PlayStation and Xbox as they prepare to launch the next-generation of consoles. It will already be hard to produce two separate editions of the consoles. Considering that both PlayStation and Xbox are going to release two versions of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Microsoft producing a third console will just create more problems for manufacturing Xbox Series X and Series S.
Another factor that COVID-19 has brought upon the world is a terrible economy. Many people have lost their jobs this year due to COVID-19 shutting down almost everything. Consoles are an expensive buy. Many people will probably struggle to purchase a next-generation console this holiday season. Add on to the fact that PlayStation and Xbox will produce two different versions of consoles. Players will have many options to choose from when purchasing a next-generation console. Xbox building a third version of the console does not make sense from an economic standpoint, because it’s already going to be challenging to afford a console. Too much choice might just drive consumers away from buying the next Xbox and to the simplicity of another PlayStation instead.
A Third Console Is Just Plain Confusing
Two console models have been the standard in gaming for a few years. The Xbox One X has represented the high-end gaming console for Microsoft, while the Xbox One S is the cheaper alternative. The PlayStation 4 Pro is Sony’s high-end console, while the original PlayStation 4 is the budget option. While prices aren’t revealed for either console yet, the PlayStation 5 digital version and Xbox Series S will serve as cheaper alternatives to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The model makes sense to consumers, but Microsoft introducing the third Xbox to the lineup creates confusion. Is the third Xbox console a medium between the Series X and Series S? Something entirely new and experimental? What will it cost?
All things considered, it is a mistake to introduce a third version of the Xbox Series X, especially in this year’s economy.
