Analyzing the Xbox Series X 'Brooklin' Model: A Gamer's Perspective

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 10:34 a.m.

The Xbox Series X Brooklin model, rumored for October 2024, faces skepticism due to a potential loss of the disc drive, impacting its role as a 4K Blu-ray player. Concerns arise over the shift towards an all-digital approach and its implications for backward compatibility. Microsoft must consider user preferences and global internet accessibility to ensure the consoles success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming consoles, rumors of Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Series X model, codenamed 'Brooklin,' set to launch in October 2024, have sparked both excitement and skepticism. While the gaming community eagerly awaits this new release, I find myself compelled to express some reservations that might cast me as a digital antiquity. Nevertheless, it's essential to delve into the rumored features of 'Brooklin' and explore whether it represents a progressive step forward or a potential downgrade from the current Xbox Series X.

Before delving into the specifics, let's clarify that mid-generation system refreshes aren't inherently problematic. Personally, I've owned and cherished both the PS4 Pro and the Xbox One X, with the latter being my all-time favorite Xbox console. Given the rapid advancements in display, GPU, and CPU technologies, adhering to the traditional seven-year gap between console generations seems archaic. Imagine waiting nearly a decade between the launch of the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro; such a delay would be unthinkable in the world of smartphones.

Both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are due for hardware refreshes, as indicated by leaked Microsoft documents that have surfaced online. The Xbox Series S, being a discless console from the outset, has embraced new Wi-Fi 6E technology and boasts a 20% reduction in power consumption during standby mode, a change welcomed by gamers as electricity bills continue to soar.

The leaked details about the Xbox Series X refresh also hint at similar enhancements. However, the primary concern, from my perspective as an Xbox enthusiast, is the potential removal of the current model's disc drive. This presents a significant issue for gamers like me who still value physical game discs and, more importantly, the Xbox Series X's role as an outstanding 4K Blu-ray player.

Admittedly, I haven't dedicated as much time to my Series X as I should have in recent years. While I thoroughly enjoyed titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5, the scarcity of first-party exclusives has led me to favor the PS5 since both systems launched in late 2020. Starfield, the upcoming Xbox exclusive, is a positive development for the platform, even though I might not be the biggest fan. However, the leaked details about the Series X 'Brooklin' threaten to deprive me of the primary function I've cherished in my high-end Xbox for the past three years: its exceptional 4K Blu-ray playback capabilities.

Certainly, the upgraded 2TB SSD and an updated controller are noteworthy additions. Still, when faced with the choice between expanded storage and the ability to enjoy my favorite Blu-ray movies, I would willingly sacrifice the SSD upgrade. While the Xbox Series X doesn't often receive accolades for its Blu-ray capabilities, it quietly shines in this regard, much like its predecessor, the Xbox One X. Watching content in 4K on this console is a genuinely immersive experience, particularly for cinephiles like me.

In my view, Microsoft's top-end console outshines the PS5 as a Blu-ray player. Although it may exhibit minor Dolby Atmos issues, such as a brief audio delay when pausing and resuming a movie, the Xbox Series X's robust support for audio formats like Atmos, Dolby Digital, and DTS:X, along with comprehensive audio demos, makes it an exceptional platform for watching 4K movies. Personally, there's no audio-visual experience quite like watching a classic like 'The Matrix' in pristine 4K disc format. It's my fourth favorite movie of all time (yes, I have a definitive top ten list stored in my head, with 'Jurassic Park' at the top), and I would always prefer the superior quality of physical media over streaming services.

It's crucial to emphasize that the future of Xbox, as described in Microsoft's leaked screens, is far from being exclusively "all-digital" or "adorable." In many parts of the world, broadband speeds still lag behind, rendering a discless approach exclusionary to those who rely on physical game copies. This decision also has implications for Microsoft's previously excellent backward compatibility support. This support allowed gamers to play titles like 'Mirror's Edge' and 'Red Dead Redemption' on Xbox One X or Xbox Series X in glorious 4K, provided they owned the original Xbox 360 discs. This was a remarkable feature that added substantial value to the Xbox ecosystem.

From both a gaming and movie enthusiast's standpoint, a discless Xbox Series X does not align with my preferences. While my broadband connection may be robust, my passion for enjoying my favorite films through Blu-ray will always take precedence.

In conclusion, the rumored Xbox Series X 'Brooklin' model, despite its promising features like an upgraded SSD and controller, raises concerns for gamers who value physical media and the console's role as a 4K Blu-ray player. Microsoft must carefully consider the diverse preferences of its user base and the global accessibility of high-speed internet when shaping the future of Xbox. Ultimately, the success of 'Brooklin' will depend on how well it strikes a balance between innovation and catering to the needs and desires of its dedicated gaming community.