AN alleged image of a PORTABLE new Xbox console has gone viral on social media – but it’s a clever hoax.
The snap shared this week shows what appears to be a white, rectangular Xbox controller with a small screen attached via a hinge at the top.
Dubbed the “Xbox Series X”, the implication is that you’d be able to play next-gen games on a device that fits in your pocket.
The phoney image was dressed up to look like an advert created by Xbox that had leaked online early.
“Top tier performance in the fist portable Xbox ever,” reads the text on the fake ad, which was plastered across both Twitter and Reddit.
Rumours of a portable Xbox console are heating up as we edge closer to next month’s release of Microsoft’s new console, the Xbox Series X.
The Series X is a high-powered machine that supports 4K gaming and is said to practically eliminate loading times.
A second console, the all-digital Xbox Series S, will also hit shelves on November 10.
As for any chance that a “Series V” is on the way, we wouldn’t put our money on it.
Microsoft has already bet big on mobile with its Game Pass Ultimate app, which lets you play top-end Xbox games on your smartphone or tablet.
The company even partnered with Samsung for the release of its Galaxy Note 20 handset.
Gamers can plug an Xbox One controller into the £850 device and tuck in to more than 100 Xbox games on the cloud with Xbox Games Pass.
All in all, releasing a portable console now would cannibalise all of the work and cash Microsoft has put towards its recent mobile ventures.
On top of that, the company would likely detract from sale of the Series X and Series S by releasing a much cheaper console so close to their launches.
On top of all that, the shape and design of the controller looks a little off for what Microsoft’s design teams would typically come up with.
Of course, we can’t say for certain that a portable Xbox isn’t in the works, but we’d take the viral “ad” with a heaping spoonful of salt for now.
HOAR has reached out to Microsoft for comment.
As far as Microsoft’s real new consoles go, the disc-free Series S and powerhouse Series X will ship on on November 10.
The disc-free Series S will cost £249/$299, while the Xbox Series X comes in at £449/$499.
