The Allure of the Carbon Black Xbox Series S: Tempting, but I Won’t Delay Gratification

During the recent Xbox Games Showcase hosted by Microsoft, there was an unexpected surprise in store for all of us. While we weren’t anticipating an entirely new Xbox generation, a fresh addition to the existing lineup took us by surprise. Phil Spencer, once again, managed to catch us off guard by revealing an upgraded version of the Xbox Series S.

The enhanced Xbox Series S will boast a sleek Carbon Black colorway, elevating its aesthetic appeal. In addition to the visual upgrade, the console will now come equipped with a generous 1TB hard drive, providing ample storage space for gaming enthusiasts. To complement the new design, a black controller will accompany the Carbon Black edition, completing the refined look and enhancing the overall gaming experience. This unexpected announcement has certainly sparked excitement among fans and added a delightful twist to the Xbox Series S lineup.

Mark your calendars for September 1st, 2023, as that’s when the highly anticipated Xbox Series S in Carbon Black will hit the shelves at a price of $349. For an additional $50, you can enjoy the sleek new color and the extra storage space it offers. While many gamers are eager to get their hands on this upgraded version, I personally won’t be among them, even with the release just a couple of months away.

I might be considered crazy, but when Microsoft first unveiled the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, I found myself drawn to the white and black design of the Series S, even over the all-black Series X. Therefore, the announcement of the Carbon Black Series S didn’t significantly sway my decision. I’m aware that my preference might not be shared by the majority, as I’m sure countless Series S owners rushed to pre-order the Carbon Black edition.

Another reason for the excitement surrounding the Carbon Black model is the storage capacity increase from 500GB to 1TB. In this day and age, games can easily surpass 100GB in size, meaning that your hard drive can fill up quickly. For gamers who enjoy switching between multiple games without the hassle of constantly deleting and reinstalling them, 500GB simply isn’t sufficient.

I completely understand where you’re coming from. In your gaming setup, the 500GB storage capacity of the current Series S is a perfect fit. With your LG UltraGear monitor in your office and the Series X in the living room paired with your impressive 65-inch Sony A80J OLED TV, you have an incredible gaming experience. The Series S shines in your multiplayer gaming sessions, especially with a 1440p monitor that can fully utilize the console’s resolution and deliver a smooth 120 FPS. Given your preference for a 27-inch monitor and the absence of a need for 4K, the Series S aligns perfectly with your multiplayer gaming setup.

However, I’m well aware that the Carbon Black model with its upgraded 1TB hard drive will cater to the needs of numerous gamers, particularly those who rely solely on the Xbox console. Microsoft understands this and emphasizes the increased storage capacity as a major selling point in their marketing for the new model. By maintaining the next-gen speed and performance of the current 512GB Series S, the Carbon Black edition allows players to download even more of their favorite games onto the console, ensuring they’re ready to play whenever desired.

I completely understand your perspective. With your existing gaming setup in the office, featuring an LG UltraGear monitor and the Series X, you have an immersive experience. However, you also desire to have your Series X in the living room, connected to your impressive 65-inch Sony A80J OLED TV for a breathtaking single-player gaming experience.

This is where the current Series S comes into play for you. For your multiplayer gaming sessions, which predominantly revolve around Battlefield 2042, the Series S is an ideal choice. Since your monitor has a maximum resolution of 1440p, the Series S can fully utilize the display’s resolution while delivering a smooth 120 FPS. Moreover, with your preference for a 27-inch monitor and no immediate need for 4K, the Series S perfectly complements your multiplayer gaming setup.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Carbon Black model with its upgraded 1TB hard drive will be highly appealing to many gamers, especially those who solely rely on a single Xbox console. Microsoft recognizes this and highlights the increased storage capacity as a major selling point in their marketing for the new model. By maintaining the next-gen speed and performance of the current 512GB Series S, the Carbon Black edition enables players to download even more of their favorite games onto the console, ensuring they are readily available to play whenever desired.