Home Gaming News & Opinions Xbox Series X Prototype Images Leak and It’s a Big Black Box

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

The first images of what is reportedly a genuine prototype of the Xbox Series X surfaced on Twitter in the early hours of today.

Last updates by
Thomas Bardwell
January 22, 2020 11:16 AM
  • 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.

First Images of Xbox Series X Prototype Leak Online
Source: Twitter

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.

Source: Twitter

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.

Source: Twitter

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.

Source: Twitter

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.