Xbox Series X Slim Could Bring Lower Prices and Better Performance

Xbox Series X Slim could offer a smaller design, lower price, improved power efficiency, and better performance than the current Xbox Series X. Microsoft has introduced redesigned consoles in previous generations, including the Xbox 360 Slim, Xbox 360 Super Slim, and Xbox One S.

A similar approach could make sense for the current generation, especially as console support is expected to continue for years after the next generation arrives. Microsoft could benefit from introducing an Xbox Series X Slim because the current generation is expected to remain relevant for a long time. Although the next generation of consoles could arrive late next year, their prices are expected to be high.

Xbox Series X Slim Makes Sense for the Current Generation

Even if those prices eventually decrease, many players will continue using their current consoles. Combined, PlayStation and XBOX owners represent around 130 million consoles in the market, based on the figures discussed. That installed base gives developers a reason to continue supporting the current generation for years after the next generation launches.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has also said Microsoft will continue supporting current-generation Xbox consoles for a long time, even after the next-generation Xbox arrives. To make the most of that extended support period, redesigning the Xbox Series X could be a reasonable step. The main idea behind an Xbox Series X Slim would be to redesign the console.

Microsoft could shrink the chip to a smaller manufacturing process, potentially 3nm, and reduce the size of other components wherever possible. A smaller chip could require a smaller cooling system, motherboard, and power supply. As a result, the entire console could shrink while using less electricity. Smaller components could also lower manufacturing costs.

We have already seen a similar approach with the Xbox One and Xbox One S. Xbox One S is around 40% smaller than the original Xbox One and includes a built-in power supply. In contrast, the original model used an external power supply. That means the size reduction is not a direct comparison of the consoles alone, since the Xbox One S also houses its power supply internally.

Xbox Series X Slim Could Target Players Who Do Not Need the Next Generation

Imagine Microsoft launching its next-generation XBOX late next year while continuing to sell an Xbox Series X Slim for $500. If the next-generation console costs significantly more, the price difference could give players two options depending on their budgets and gaming needs.

The next-generation XBOX could target players who want the latest hardware and performance, while the Xbox Series X Slim could serve those who mainly want to play existing games and online titles. Games such as Fortnite, sports titles, and other live-service games could continue attracting players to the current generation.

GTA 6 could also remain relevant for years, particularly through its online component. Players could keep using the Xbox Series X to play these games without immediately upgrading to the next generation. For Microsoft, keeping a redesigned Xbox Series X available could help maintain its existing audience while providing a more affordable option alongside the next-generation console.

Reducing the console's size and manufacturing cost would be one part of the redesign.

Xbox One S received a small performance improvement over the original Xbox One. Microsoft increased the GPU clock speed, but the CPU didn't get the same treatment. The changes were limited, but some games benefited from the additional performance. Microsoft could take a similar approach with the Xbox Series X Slim.

Instead of focusing only on reducing hardware size, Microsoft could use a more power-efficient chip and increase its clock speeds. Xbox One S reportedly received a modest clock-speed increase, though the exact improvement isn't recalled here. The changes were also tied to HDR support, and some games ran better as a result.

For the Xbox Series X Slim, a 15–20% GPU clock-speed increase would already be worth considering. A larger 20–30% increase would be more ambitious, and whether it's possible would depend on the chip, cooling system, power consumption, and manufacturing process. A performance increase could help the Xbox Series X Slim deliver higher frame rates and resolutions in some games.