Xbox Series S Console Seemingly Confirmed in Leaked Controller Packaging

Rumors have long been circulating about a potential Xbox Series X console - a less powerful, cheaper version of the Series X. Now, the Series S model might have been all but confirmed through leaked packaging of Microsoft's next-gen controller.

Over the weekend, packaging of the Xbox Series X controller was found in the wild by Twitter user @zakk_exe, which you can see below. The Verge then verified the authenticity of the packaging which, if you look closely at the small print, reveals that the controller is compatible with both the Xbox Series X and S consoles.

This is hardly the first time the Xbox Series S console has been name-dropped. Back in December 2019, a report claimed that Microsoft was preparing to launch a second, less, powerful, and disc-less next-gen console, codenamed Lockhart (similar to Sony's plans of a disc-less, all-digital PlayStation 5 console.

In late June 2020, dev kit notes named the Lockhart model of Xbox consoles, before a report claimed that Microsoft would be revealing the Xbox Series S in August. We're nearly halfway through August, and Microsoft has yet to announce the date of their showcase scheduled for this month, although Phil Spencer hinted that August's Series X reveal could focus on backwards compatibility.

If you plan on buying Microsoft's next-gen console when it launches later this year, you won't have to shell out for a new controller. All current Xbox One controllers will function with the new Xbox Series X console, as will all Xbox Adaptive controllers.

While Microsoft has yet to reveal the rumored Lockhart console, it also has yet to reveal pricing and a release date for their next-gen Xbox Series X. Sony is also holding off from revealing release date or pricing information for the PS5, and it feels like we're playing a bit of a waiting game with both companies.