Microsoft's head of gaming, Phil Spencer, reveals the reason for mass layoffs at Xbox

Microsoft is preparing a a new white-coloured digital edition of its Xbox Series X console without a disc drive for release. This new console is expected to be a more affordable version of the current black Xbox Series X and may have some minor internal upgrades. Leaked images and documents obtained by multiple sources suggest that the console may hit the market shelves as early as this summer.

According to Exputer, a gaming news website, the white Xbox Series X Digital Edition looks similar to the black version but without the disc drive. It is expected to have the same "robot white" coating as the Xbox Series S. The leaked documents seen by The Verge support the authenticity of the leaked photos, but Microsoft hasn't commented on this officially yet.

The white Xbox Series X Digital Edition may be available in June or July and could be $50 to $100 cheaper than the current $499 retail price of the standard Xbox Series X. It is also expected to have some internal component upgrades such as an improved heatsink for better cooling performance.

The release of this new digital-only model suggests that Microsoft may have changed or delayed its plans for a more significant Xbox Series X refresh.

Previously leaked documents related to the FTC v. Microsoft case last year suggested that the unannounced console refresh, codenamed "Brooklin," was expected to have a more cylindrical design, without a disc drive, and ship with a new controller and Xbox Wireless 2 connection. Microsoft tentatively planned to release the Brooklin console in November at a price point of $499.

Xbox Chief, Phil Spencer, addressed the Brooklin leaks in September, hinting at potential changes in Xbox hardware plans. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Spencer said, "It is hard to see our team's work shared in this way because so much has changed, and there's so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready."

The introduction of a white, digital-only Xbox Series X could provide consumers with a more affordable option to experience next-gen gaming without the need for physical discs. It may also help Microsoft compete with Sony's PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which has been available alongside the disc-based PS5 since the consoles' launch in November 2020.