A first look at Microsoft’s discless Xbox Series X in white

Microsoft has started selling a discless version of its Xbox Series X console today, in the same white paint job as the smaller Xbox Series S. The only change over the carbon black exterior of the original Xbox Series X is that this new white model doesn’t include a disc drive.

There’s no option to add a disc drive to this white model either, so you’ll have to be confident you’re happy playing digital games or titles from Xbox Game Pass before purchasing this $449.99 variant.

Microsoft hasn’t changed the rear ports either, so there’s two USB-A ports, a HDMI 2.1 port to connect to your TV or monitor, an Ethernet port, and the storage expansion slot at the rear of the console. At the front there’s a single USB-A port, alongside the pair button to connect controllers and accessories.

The white coating on the discless Xbox Series X matches the same “robot white” found on the Xbox Series S. Microsoft is also releasing a $349.99 1TB Xbox Series S in white for the holidays, alongside a $599.99 2TB “Galaxy Black” special edition of the Xbox Series X.

Leaks of the white Xbox Series X suggested that Microsoft may have upgraded the heatsink used to cool the console, but there have actually been several big internal changes. A teardown reveals a redesigned motherboard, cooling changes, and a shrunken 6nm chip.

Update, October 15th: Article updated to include details on internal hardware changes.