How Leaks Ruined the Xbox Series S Announcement

As far as console reveals/announcements are concerned, the Xbox Series S announcement was the most underwhelming, by a margin. Multiple leaks and rumors forced Microsoft to make the announcement, as there was literally no further information that could’ve been leaked.

But instead of actually helping in building the hype around the Series S, the leaks killed the hype and turned it into a rather mediocre announcement.

Usually, the hype around any console announcement is absolutely unreal. Days and days of speculation clubbed with the official sources building up the anticipation is usually how it goes.

Microsoft may have planned something similar for the Series S, but things definitely didn’t go according to plan. Surprisingly, the latest leak was not the only culprit here.

In fact, several leaks over the past few months pointed towards the existence of the Series S. It came to a point where it was regarded as Microsoft’s worst kept secret, and all that remained was the announcement.

All this led to the single photo unveiled officially by Microsoft, after giving in to the multitude of leaks.

Leaks before the official reveal

Initial speculation around the existence of a less-powerful version of the Xbox Series X started months ago. Leaked images showed an all-white, squarish version of the Series X labeled ‘Project Lockhart’.

That was the exact moment when everything started going downhill for Xbox.

First, a white Xbox Series X controller surfaced online. The leaker mentioned that he saw a console along with it that looked ‘squarish’. This strengthened the speculation surrounding the console.

Shortly after that, a user was actually able to purchase the next Series X controller from the internet. He even made a video for the same to prove that it was the real deal.

Interestingly, on the back of the box, compatibility with Xbox Series S was mentioned. Yet another leak came with the old Xbox One controllers. When users purchased the new controllers recently, it contained a Game Pass brochure that mentioned the Series S yet again.

By this point, this point it was quite clear that the console exists but Microsoft was still denying it. It was just sad to see them try so hard, but to no avail. And when the bubble finally burst today, they eventually gave in and revealed the price.

They also officially revealed the launch trailer a few hours ago, but sadly that was also leaked before.

ALSO READ-Xbox Series X: An All-White Console Headed Our Way?

Xbox Series S deserved a better launch

Any console launch is a huge deal. It is literally a step into the next generation that will continue for the next decade or so. These announcements are usually made at a grand stage and not with a picture post on social media.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have ruled out the possibility of hosting an event with an arena full of people. But that still doesn’t mean that it would stoop down to such a reveal.

Xbox is also slightly responsible. It was their responsibility to ensure the secrecy of such information. But, considering leaks usually find their way out one way or another, it is not entirely their fault either.

The leaks literally revealed everything that there was to know about the console which in turn, killed the hype. A console of this quality definitely deserved a better, grander launch.

Thankfully, the Xbox Series X is still safe. Fans already know the specs and the design. All that is left is the price and launch date for the same. Hopefully, Xbox will ensure to plug any further leaks and do justice to their flagship product.