Xbox Series X could be getting an upgrade – but you won't actually see it

techradar.com:

Microsoft is reportedly developing an upgraded chip for the Xbox Series X that would improve the console’s power efficiency and likely make it cheaper to manufacture.

That’s according to journalist Brad Sams, who said Microsoft is currently revising the Xbox Series X|S chip during a recent Q&A on his personal YouTube channel.

After a viewer asked whether Microsoft was developing an improved chip for the console, Sams responded: “I believe it is accurate that Microsoft is working on a smaller, more power-efficient chip. I’m very confident in that.”

“You’ve got to remember, while the console has been out 18 months, the console Microsoft initially started building was signed off on probably 14 or 12 months before it actually shipped,” he added.

“So, in the world of technology, it’s a dated design.”

As for what new features the chip would introduce, Sams suggested the hardware improvements are likely to be limited, but not totally redundant.

“Now, are we going to see performance improvements, are we going to see anything else? I do not believe so. But Microsoft is always working on making cooler, more efficient chips because that lowers the cost of production.”

That Microsoft is developing an improved chip for the Xbox Series X shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. As Sams emphasizes, the tech giant will always be iterating on its hardware designs for the sake of cost-cutting. We've already seen Sony change the PS5's heatsink for a more cost-effective design. 

While this latest iteration might not introduce radical changes for the console, it’ll certainly bring some improvements for new Xbox Series X|S owners. A more efficient chip means the console will draw less power, allowing it to run cooler and potentially quieter. That might