A new FCC filing has revealed that a new Microsoft console, namely an Xbox One Slim variant, could be released in the latter half of 2016.
New documents detailing filings from Microsoft to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) reveal that the Redmond company could be set on releasing a new console by the second half of this year, under the pretense of being an ‘Xbox One Slim’ variant.
The documents in question detail information around the Xbox One‘s WLAN module, with two similar reports indicating two dates: June 25th and July 29th.
Read: Rumours: Microsoft producing an Xbox Two?
A user safety manual was also submitted for one of the devices under the code “1525”, similar to the original Xbox One’s FCC ID, C3K-1525. The conclusion drawn is that Microsoft could be releasing a tweaked variant of the console, with either a redesigned form factor or a slimmed-down body.
US law requires electronics that transmit data wirelessly be registered with the FCC prior to their release of the market. The nature of the filing, in addition to its timing, has left many to suspect that Microsoft could be working on an intermediate upgrade to the original Xbox One, which previously has been indicated to be an ‘Xbox Two’.
Microsoft has consistently lost ground to Sony‘s PlayStation 4 in international markets, with the latter most recently totalling over 30 million sales in Europe alone.
The company could be resting its hopes that a refreshed Xbox One could re-invigorate sales and user enthusiasm. Most recently, in November last year, the console received its first major UI overhaul.
Read: Xbox One set to open up for cross-platform play
What are your thoughts? Would you buy an Xbox One Slim were one to be released later this year? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
