As any gamer would know, things can get a little confusing when it comes to naming various Xbox consoles.
First there was the Xbox, then the Xbox 360, followed by the Xbox One.
So in a bid to simplify everything – or perhaps make things significantly more confusing – the latest Xbox will be known as simply ‘Xbox’.
“The name we’re carrying forward to the next generation is simply Xbox,” a Microsoft (maker of the Xbox) spokesperson told Business Insider.
But it’s not quite that simple. ‘Xbox’ is the name of the actual make, while the model is the ‘Series X’.
The Microsoft spokesperson said this allows the company to create more devices as part of the series in the future.
“Similar to what fans have seen with previous generations, the name ‘Xbox Series X’ allows room for additional consoles in the future,” the spokesperson said.
Some have pointed out Microsoft’s efforts to emphasise the word ‘Xbox’ in promotional material for the new console (see below).
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5_uVqmlONQ/
And while the new console certainly looks the part, some potential branding issues loom.
Released in 2017, the high-end Xbox One X is still widely in market, which could – as some social media users pointed out – be easily confused with the Xbox Series X and other previous models.
'Is the Xbox Series X the Xbox One X?'
'No, but it is an Xbox One.'
'So why don't I buy the Xbox One?'
'The Series X is more powerful.'
'But it's not an Xbox One Series X?'
'No.'
'Oh, I get it, the Xbox One S stands for Xbox One Series!'
'No, that's different.'— Jim Caddick (@Caddicarus) December 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheJRLuna/status/1205538254700908544
Microsoft’s name choices for the Xbox are in stark contrast to one of its biggest rivals.
The PlayStation, made by Sony, has followed numerical sequence with its consoles, launching the PlayStation, PlayStation One, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 (with a variety of slim, super slim and pro models thrown in) over the past 25 years.
