Xbox Series X Prototype Images Leak and It’s a Big Black Box

• Images of Xbox Series X prototype leak online.
• First look at the rear ports of Microsoft’s next-gen console.
• Includes series number and authentic Xbox branding.

PlayStation 5 leaks and rumors are a dime a dozen with a new one seemingly surfacing daily. On the other hand, the ever-churning rumors mill has largely sparred the Xbox Series X. That is, until today.

Xbox Series X Prototype in The Flesh

Images of what is reportedly a prototype of Microsoft’s upcoming console surfaced on Twitter in the early hours of today , courtesy of user @Doug_DragoX, before appearing shortly afterward on gaming forum NeoGAF .

The two images show the front and back on the console, exposing for the first time the ports set to populate the backside of Microsoft’s next-generation console.

The Xbox Series X prototype features an HMDI port, Ethernet port, optical S/PDIF port, dual-pin power connector, and a couple of USB Type-A. According to respected Thurrott journalist Brad Sams, the large nondescript slot is for ‘diagnostic reporting,’  and will no feature in the final consumer design.

With this in mind, it’s not unreasonable to assume that this is a Xbox Series X dev kit.

Additionally, Sams, who has a proven track record of Microsoft-related reporting, notes the following;

The images are authentic of the hardware, meaning this is not a fancy 3D printed model.

More Than Likely Genuine

While we can’t confirm 100% that what we see here is a genuine Xbox Series X prototype, the images have a lot going for them.

The console features a bar code and serial number alongside seemingly authentic Xbox branding. The ‘PROTOTYPE – NOT FOR SALE’ stamped on the back of the hardware also helps in that respect.

Furthermore, Twitter user @GameReaper187 successfully registered the serial number on Microsoft’s website , where it was recognized as genuine.

All things considered, there’s little that brings into question the legitimacy of the images. Nevertheless, it’s worth remembering that, if genuine, this is a prototype. As such, the final product is likely to incorporate at least some minor changes.