Xbox One X pre-orders still haven’t gone live, but new filings at the FCC suggest that may be changing soon. Documents related to the console’s wireless module show one of the system’s key chips is ready for public consumption.
The full filing has lots of cover letters and other unnecessary data, but we’ll fill you in on the good stuff. Shortly before the console’s E3 debut, Microsoft sent paperwork to the FCC for analysis of a wifi module, fairly similar to the Xbox One S design. The former had a test number of 1618, while the new one is listed as 1817, suggesting the products are alike with some slight improvements in firmware. The device has been run through a complete battery of tests, and considering those figures are now public, we assume it’s passed them all.
Its proven relevance to the Xbox One X, however, is a little more tenuous. Taking a look at the Xbox One X teardown photo above, the chipset certainly looks like it would fit well into some of the larger L-shaped designs. It’s also worth pointing out that, as far as we’re aware, the Xbox One X is the only product Microsoft is pushing through the FCC at this time. Its closest alternate use might be for some kind of laptop, but considering the entire Surface line just got a big refresh, we can’t see it tying to any other hardware. That doesn’t mean we’re not looking at something else, but it seems unlikely.
If we can take that guesswork at face value, the major implication to make is that Xbox One X pre-orders may be starting soon. While not directly addressed by Microsoft, one of the most common rationales for why the console has yet to go up for sale is because the FCC hasn’t approved it. What we’re seeing here is that potential parts of the device are ready to go. Once every regulation is met, those parts can officially be released on the public market.
For an Xbox fan, the question then turns to how long that entire process will take. While we have no sources to confirm the idea, conventional wisdom suggests an announcement during Gamescom in August would make a ton of sense. The hardware maker is holding a press conference on Aug. 20, followed by a related FanFest on Aug. 22. What better way to get fans excited than to announce pre-orders for a brand new console during that window? The timing is too appropriate to ignore.
The Xbox One X is a 4K-ready version of the standard Xbox One console that’s considerably more powerful than Sony’s PS4 Pro. In addition to a slew of natively supported games, many existing Xbox One titles will benefit from performance boosts on the new hardware.
The Xbox One X is set to release Nov. 7 for $499. When pre-orders begin, we’ll do our best to let you know.
Does this Xbox One X FCC listing have any ties to pre-orders? Will you be buying the console on day one? Tell us in the comments section!
