In what has been labeled as the largest leak in Microsoft’s history, a significant amount of information about upcoming Xbox refreshes, next-gen systems, and more was revealed. This leak occurred after a series of un-redacted documents were uploaded to a court website as part of the ongoing Federal Trade Commission v. Microsoft case. The leaked documents not only provide a roadmap for Microsoft’s future in the gaming industry but also offer unprecedented insight into the company’s inner workings.
The leaked files were discovered early Tuesday morning by users on the gaming forum ResetEra. The Federal Trade Commission confirmed that they were not responsible for the uploaded plans. Leaks are not uncommon in the game industry, but this particular instance stands out due to the size and breadth of the leaked information. The leaked documents sparked a frenzy of speculation about Microsoft’s future plans.
Xbox head Phil Spencer addressed the leak on Twitter, stating that not all of the leaked information was up-to-date. He expressed disappointment that the team’s work was shared in this way and promised to share the real plans when they were ready.
One of the most significant revelations from the leaked documents is that Microsoft plans to release improved versions of its Xbox Series X/S consoles. The internal documents reveal that a mid-cycle console refresh, codenamed Brooklin, is expected in November. This refresh will feature a more cylindrical design, no disc drive, 2TB of storage, a USB-C front port, faster Wi-Fi capabilities, and a new controller. The price for this refresh is set at $499.
The leaked documents also mention another console refresh, codenamed Ellewood, for the Series S. While details about Ellewood are not as specific, the documents promise better internal storage and Wi-Fi for a price of $299. There will be a 60-day gap between the two console releases to give Ellewood its own marketing moment.
The leaked documents also reveal details about a new controller, codenamed Sebile. This two-toned controller will feature various improvements, including direct-to-cloud connection, a rechargeable and swappable battery, precision haptic feedback, quiet buttons and thumbsticks, and lift-to-wake capabilities.
In addition to detailing upcoming console refreshes, the leaked documents provide insights into Microsoft’s future plans. According to the documents, Microsoft is eyeing 2028 for the release of its next-gen console, which will be a hybrid game platform fully utilizing the cloud for performance enhancements.
The leaked documents also show that Microsoft has had discussions about collaborating with other major players in the industry, such as Nintendo and Valve. In an email to Microsoft executives Chris Capossela and Takeshi Numoto, Xbox head Phil Spencer mentioned Nintendo as “THE prime asset for us in Gaming.” While Spencer acknowledged that a merger may not be feasible, he expressed interest in tighter collaboration with Nintendo. He also mentioned Valve as another potential target for merging or acquiring.
Unfortunately for fans of the popular video game series, the leaked documents reveal that Elder Scrolls VI won’t be released until 2026 at the earliest, and it will only be available for PC and Xbox platforms, excluding PlayStation 5 owners.
Overall, the leaked documents have provided gamers and industry experts with valuable insights into Microsoft’s future plans. While not all of the leaked information is current, it has sparked excitement and speculation about what the future holds for Xbox and the gaming industry as a whole.
