While it appeared Microsoft was ready to unveil the full Xbox Series X ports lineup, AMD has some explaining to do.
What you need to know
- AMD has showcased the first glimpse at Xbox Series X rear ports, detailing USB-C connectivity, HDMI passthrough, ethernet, SPDIF digital audio, and more.
- Microsoft reportedly denies the accuracy of AMD's Xbox Series X assets, claiming a stock 3D model was purchased from TurboSquid.com.
Updated January 7, 2020: Microsoft has reached out to Thurrott.com, reportedly refuting the accuracy of AMD's CES 2020 Xbox Series X imagery. The statement claims AMD acquired the asset from the stock 3D modeling marketplace, TurboSquid, and isn't reflective of final Xbox Series X ports. We've reached out to Microsoft for additional clarification.
"The Xbox Series X imagery used during the AMD CES press conference was not sourced from Microsoft and does not accurately represent the design or features of the upcoming console. They were taken from TurboSquid.com."
With CES 2020 underway in the heart of Las Vegas, AMD kicked off its annual press conference highlighting its various partners, including a spotlight on Microsoft's own AMD-based devices. Accompanying the AMD chips in Microsoft Surface, the bulk of efforts lie with Microsoft's Xbox console family, including the Xbox One, and the upcoming next-generation Xbox Series X.
Microsoft unveiled the Xbox Series X last year, providing an overview of the console exterior, with a brief tease of hardware specifications. The reveal provided the first look at a new monolithic PC tower-styled casing, alongside a new single-fan cooling system, and redesigned Xbox controller.
Xbox Series X features USB-C connectivity and dual HDMI ports, via AMD's CES 2020 press conference.
However, Microsoft made an effort to obstruct the system ports and dimensions, only featuring a single forward-facing USB Type-A port, akin to existing Xbox One X and Xbox One S consoles. AMD's opening sizzle reel has now provided a fresh angle on Xbox Series X, confirming the final ports list for the next-generation device.
Xbox Series X will boast dual USB Type-C ports on the rear, including the assumed benefits of increased transfer speeds and higher power capacity. Two HDMI ports also feature, indicating the return of HDMI passthrough, a signature of the existing Xbox One lineup. Ethernet, SPDIF digital audio, and the former shotgun power connector also return. The inclusion of the figure-8 connector also alludes to an internal supply, as featured in recent Xbox One console revisions.
Xbox Series X is slated for a holiday 2020 debut, with pricing yet to be confirmed.