Nintendo Acquisition, Elder Scrolls VI Delay, Xbox Series X Refresh: Microsoft’s Mega Leak Show

Microsoft has inadvertently exposed a wealth of information concerning upcoming Xbox updates, next-generation systems, and more. This revelation — touted as the biggest leak in the company’s history — transpired as unredacted documents were uploaded to a court website as part of the ongoing Federal Trade Commission v. Microsoft case. The leak, reverberating across the online sphere on Tuesday, not only provides a glimpse into the gaming giant’s future plans but also offers unprecedented insight into Microsoft’s internal operations.

The files were initially uncovered by users on the gaming forum ResetEra early on Tuesday. According to FTC spokesperson Douglass Farrar, the organisation disclaimed responsibility for the leaked plans, a confirmation later corroborated by the court. While leaks are not uncommon in the gaming industry, this particular incident stands out due to the sheer scale and breadth of information leaked, sparking extensive speculation regarding Microsoft’s forthcoming endeavours.

Addressing the leak on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledged the circulating discussions about old emails and documents. However, Spencer clarified that not all leaked information was current, expressing disappointment in seeing the team’s work shared in such a manner. He emphasised the significant changes and exciting developments on the horizon, pledging to unveil genuine plans when the time is right.

Nevertheless, the leaked documents triggered widespread conjecture about Microsoft’s future endeavours, yielding several key takeaways:

• The leaked internal documents suggest the advent of mid-cycle console refreshes. The Series X console refresh, codenamed Brooklin, is projected to launch in November. It will feature a more cylindrical design, sans a disc drive, offering 2 terabytes of storage, a USB-C front port, faster Wi-Fi capabilities, and a new controller, all priced at $499.
• Details regarding Ellewood, the codename for the Series S refresh, are less specific. The documents indicate improved internal storage and Wi-Fi for $299, with a deliberate 60-day gap between the two console releases to ensure Ellewood has its own strategic launch during the holiday season, optimising sales.
• The two-toned controller, codenamed Sebile, boasts “direct-to-cloud” connectivity, a rechargeable and swappable battery, “precision haptic feedback,” quiet buttons and thumbsticks, and lift-to-wake capabilities.
• Microsoft envisions its next console as a “hybrid game platform,” fully leveraging cloud capabilities to achieve enhanced performance beyond what client hardware alone can provide.
• Internal communication dated 2020 revealed Xbox head Phil Spencer’s interest in collaborating more closely with Nintendo, considering it a prime asset in the gaming industry. However, he emphasised a preference for a long-term strategy and ruled out hostile actions or an immediate merger.
• In a surprising revelation, Elder Scrolls VI is not anticipated to launch until at least 2026, with exclusivity for PC and Xbox, disappointing PlayStation 5 owners eagerly awaiting its release.

This leak has undeniably stirred the gaming community and industry, offering a glimpse into the trajectory of one of the most influential entities in the gaming world. The fallout and reactions to this disclosure remain ongoing as enthusiasts eagerly await official announcements and further developments.