Xbox Can Now Be Turned Into A Portable Laptop Thanks To Fans
Fans came together to create a portable version of the Xbox. See it here.
This article is more than 2 years old
Unlike PlayStation and Nintendo, Microsoft never made a handheld or portable Xbox gaming console, denying many of its fans their favorite games while on the go. However, thanks to the fans, Xbox Series S just got an accessory that makes the console portable, at least to a degree, allowing many to enjoy their favorite gaming titles. And what’s even more surprising, the idea met its Kickstarter funding goal in just 20 minutes. Here’s what it’s all about.
xScreen, an attachable monitor developed by UPspex Gaming, turns your Xbox Series S into a laptop-like design, allowing the gamers to play the Series S games even without access to a TV or a monitor, as reported by IGN. You can get a detailed look at the xScreen in the 30 second clip below.
The Kickstarter campaign was started by UPspec Gaming on July 7, 2021, in hopes of generating enough interest to fund the goal. However, the project met its pledge goal of approx. $9,700 (converted from $AUD), only to exceed its initial pledge by almost 460% in less than 24 hours following its announcement.
The xScreen will feature an 11.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 60Hz refresh rate and built-in speakers, which plugs directly into both HDMI and USB port on the back of the Xbox Series S. Naturally, it includes a pass-through so that it won’t get in the way of the power cable or any storage expansion card on the console. UPspec clarified that the screen doesn’t require a separate power source or any modification to the Series S hardware of software. The final model will probably allow color customization to match the color and finish of the customer’s Series S console. But why Series S, and not Series X, or some other console for that matter?
Well, we can only speculate why the UPspec specifically targeted the Series S. The console features a much lighter and straightforward design compared to its bigger and more powerful brother, the Xbox Series X, or even Sony’s PlayStation 5 whose sales exceeded those of Xbox Series X/S two-to-one. And while the new attachment won’t make the console truly portable, similar to handhelds, since it has no portable power source, like a battery, it will allow gamers to enjoy their favorite games as long as they have access to a power outlet. So no more fighting over the family TV, and who gets to watch what, at least until Xbox launches its new gaming streaming service.
A few of the project’s backers inquired about UPspec Gaming’s decision to make a 1080p display, despite the console’s 1440p 120Hz output, to which the company offered an elaborate response. The 11.6-inch display perfectly fits the Xbox Series S form factor, at which it can offer a maximum of 1080p at 60Hz. Besides, due to the console’s low power, many modern games won’t run above 60Hz, so increasing the resolution, and the refresh rate wouldn’t offer any perceivable benefit.
Additionally, because it follows the laptop-like form factor, the design allows the screen to be folded onto the console for easy portability. According to UPspec Gaming, the console can easily fit inside a 15-inch laptop bag. Pledging to the project guarantees you will receive one xScreen for your Xbox Series S, with estimated delivery in January 2022.
