If the latest rumours doing the rounds are to be believed, Microsoft may be about to release a discless Xbox One S console in the next few months.
There have been rumours circulating for some time regarding a new console coming to the market codenamed Xbox Maverick. According to a report from Windows Central, it is believed that Xbox Maverick is, in fact, this discless Xbox One S console, and according to them it will actually be named ‘Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.’
Windows Central also went on to add that this new console will be released in May 2019, with pre-orders being opened up to the public from April. That would mean that an announcement could be on its way from Microsoft sooner rather than later. However, given that it would miss E3 2019, it’s not clear yet quite how much of a big deal Microsoft is going to make of it.
It’s no surprise that Microsoft is preparing to release a discless console. After all, they considered making the Xbox One discless right from the very start and even viewed it still as a real option weeks after they unveiled the console at E3 2013. The company had planned for gamers to tie their games to an Xbox account, meaning they could be played without ever needing to insert a disc into the console. As part of the move, Microsoft also intended to allow users the ability to lend digital games to a friend for 30 days. Of course, these were all scrapped, but it looks like Microsoft is trying to test the waters once again with this new console. It’s safe to say that it’s long been Microsoft’s desire to move into a truly digital gaming age.
Until Microsoft actually come out and announce this new console, it’s important to take this rumour with a pinch of salt. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Microsoft make an announcement within the next month or two.