When you’re in the process of acquiring a company for a jaw-dropping $68.7 billion, you’d expect all eyes to be on the financial fireworks. But, in the midst of Microsoft‘s bid to snap up Activision Blizzard, something interesting happened. The legal wrangling that accompanies such a colossal deal inadvertently opened the door to revelations about the future of gaming, courtesy of none other than Microsoft itself.

The FTC v. Microsoft case has spilled the beans on an entirely new Xbox Series X, slated to hit the shelves in November 2024. This unexpected revelation not only offers a sneak peek at Microsoft’s gaming roadmap but also provides a detailed look at the future of Xbox gaming.

Microsoft may have slipped up by disclosing this juicy tidbit in the FTC case, but gamers are the ones who benefit. The new Xbox Series X, codenamed Brooklin (notice the lack of a “y”), promises to turn the gaming world on its head.

So, what’s under the hood of this refresh? Unlike what you might expect from a “Pro” upgrade, Brooklin isn’t all about raw power. Microsoft has focused on enhancing the overall gaming experience with these key improvements:

1. More Internal Storage (2 TB): Gamers will revel in the roomy 2-terabyte storage, ensuring they never have to worry about deleting beloved games to make space.
2. Faster Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6E Radio): Online gaming and downloads are set to become smoother and more reliable, thanks to faster Wi-Fi connectivity.
3. Reduced Power Use: Brooklin introduces a power-efficient standby mode, consuming only 20% of the current model’s power during downtime.
4. Enhanced Controller: The controller gets a major overhaul with features like a slide mechanism, rechargeable battery, new thumbsticks, enhanced haptic feedback, quieter buttons, and an accelerometer for gyroscopic gameplay. The best part? It’s compatible with current Series X consoles.

However, the real jaw-dropper is the design. While the current Series X resembles a square refrigerator, Brooklin embraces a daring new look with a cylindrical form. Surprisingly, Microsoft is keeping the price tag steady at $500, indicating its commitment to affordability. Keep in mind, though, that Brooklin isn’t a quantum leap in power akin to previous Xbox upgrades.

If you’re hungry for more gaming news, the leaked documents also spill the beans on Microsoft’s gaming roadmap. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Series S Refresh (September 2024): Expect a slightly updated Series S model to drop in September 2024, offering a taste of what’s to come.
• Brooklin Xbox Series X Launch (November 2024): The big day for gaming enthusiasts, with the highly anticipated Brooklin Xbox Series X hitting the market.
• Additional Storage Options (2025): For those with ever-growing game libraries, Microsoft hints at introducing more storage options in 2025.

So, what does this mean for Microsoft? While the timing of this leak isn’t ideal, it provides gamers with an early glimpse of what the future holds. Although Brooklin isn’t a massive power upgrade, it signals Microsoft’s intention to make it the go-to Xbox for late 2024 and beyond. The original Series X may gradually bow out as it sells its remaining stock, possibly with a tempting price drop.

Apart from the gaming revelations, the FTC case leak has also uncovered a snippet from the past. Phil Spencer, the head honcho of Xbox, once revealed that Microsoft’s board had considered buying Nintendo or Valve back in 2020, suggesting intriguing possibilities for the future.