Microsoft Explains Why the Xbox Series X Looks Like a Fridge

The Xbox Series X hasn’t broken the ‘pizza box’ style console form factor just to stand out from the crowd. The new, tall design is actually fundamental to delivering the extra power of the console. In a new report from Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry, Microsoft explains that the tall dimensions of the Xbox Series X, likened by many online to a fridge, are actually dictated by several factors. One of the most important of these is airflow; powerful components need to get very hot, and so dispelling air upwards is vital. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/16/microsoft-reveals-full-xbox-series-x-tech-specs"] “The ODD [optical disc drive] sets one dimension, the volume of the heat sink sets the other dimension,” explained Chris Kujawski, principal designer at Microsoft. “The height is set by airflow and throughout this kind of complex negotiation of figuring out how this stuff comes together, we landed on a square form factor which we love." The tall case has a powerful fan at the top, which reportedly helps draw 70% more airflow through the console than the previous generation Xbox. The heatsink attached to the main board inside also achieves 20% more airflow. Further contributing to the design is that instead of one large rectangular board, the motherboard has been split into two and mounted either side of a metal chassis block that helps cool the hottest components in the console. This split also helps keep the footprint of the console smaller despite the added height. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=9-new-xbox-series-x-images&captions=true"] The Xbox Series X is still slated for a Holiday 2020 release, and there are no delay concerns yet. It will sport a slightly redesigned controller and that all important 12 teraflops GPU. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.