Before the original Xbox’s design was finalized, Microsoft created a massive X-shaped prototype back in 2000 made from machined aluminum that cost $18,000 to manufacture. Tito Perez from YouTube’s Macho Nacho Productions and a few other modders built a functional replica with the guts of an original Xbox and a few upgrades.

Nevertheless, it’s a tempting pitch. PC gaming is bigger than ever, and Steam has a colossal audience of invested players with libraries they would like to play on the living room TV. Presumably, Microsoft’s scale as a manufacturer and the fixed spec of the device will make it cheaper to buy than a high-end gaming PC.

Microsoft reported its latest quarterly earnings results Wednesday, revealing that gaming revenue decreased $113 million

In a new interview, Microsoft CEO offered some rare comments on Xbox's gaming strategy, talking up the new console and musing on the death of the Xbox exclusive.

We predict select Xbox Series S/X consoles will go on sale for Black Friday for the same discount ranging from $50 off to over $100 off, especially after Microsoft offered them for up to $50 off in 2024, 2023 and 2022, while Walmart and Target had the two consoles up to $110 off last year.

Since Xbox Live launched in 2002 on the original Xbox, Microsoft has charged for its multiplayer service. However, with talk now beginning to swirl around a next-generation Xbox device, sources speaking with Windows Central suggest that Redmond will drop the paywall.

Microsoft’s next Xbox will run full Windows beneath a TV-optimised console shell, enabling PC storefronts like Steam.