Microsoft to discontinue almost every Xbox One model prior to Series X launch

Microsoft has confirmed that it’s discontinuing every console in the Xbox One family aside from the Xbox One S.

While the standard Xbox One had already been phased out for the Xbox One S, the Xbox One X and Xbox One S All-Digital Edition were relatively recent additions to the Xbox One lineup.

“As we ramp into the future with Xbox Series X, we’re taking the natural step of stopping production on Xbox One X and Xbox One S All-Digital Edition,” a Microsoft rep told The Verge. “Xbox One S will continue to be manufactured and sold globally.”

Likewise, several outlets have reported that Microsoft is discontinuing the SKU for a 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription and only offering 1- and 3-month subscriptions. Considering the year-long subscription was the most economical choice, it’s strange that Microsoft would discontinue this SKU without giving its fans a heads up. Most likely, Microsoft is trying to push more people towards the more costly Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which offers subscriptions to both Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass for $14.99 a month.

It might come as a surprise that Microsoft is ceasing production of both the All-Digital Edition and the One X, considering one of its biggest marketing bullet points for the upcoming next-gen consoles is that many games will still be available to play on current-gen hardware and support cross-gen multiplayer, as is the case with Halo Infinite.

However, rumors have already hinted that Microsoft has another, more affordable, lower-specced next-gen Xbox in the works. This console, codenamed “Lockhart,” will ostensibly replace the Xbox One X.

The Xbox One S, meanwhile, still seems to have a place in the Xbox hardware lineup as a box for Project xCloud, which Microsoft recently announced that it’s including with Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.

We’re hoping to hear more about Microsoft’s planned obsolescence for its current-gen hardware, along with getting an announcement of the lower-specced Lockhart, during its Games Showcase on July 23rd.