Take your S on the go.
xScreen for Xbox Series S is now available to back on Kickstarter, an Australian design that allows Microsoft’s baby current-gen console to be taken out and about for gaming on the go.
With 26 days to go the design has already smashed its goals, soaring past its aspirations of $13,000 AUD in support, currently sitting at $106,000 AUD as of the (updated) time of writing.
Essentially, the xScreen is a 11.6″, 1080p 60 Hz monitor that turns your Xbox Series S into a gaming laptop of sorts.
“The power and performance of the Xbox Series S can now be taken anywhere. xScreen perfectly complements the stunning aesthetic of the Xbox Series S to create a single cohesive unit,” designer UPspec Gaming said of its product. “xScreen transforms your Xbox Series S into a laptop form factor that can be easily transported and used anywhere there is a power outlet.”
The screen itself will clip onto the back of the Series S, directly into HDMI and USB ports and allowing a pass-through to its power port and Seagate expansion card slot. While the Xbox Series S itself will need to be plugged into a power main to operate, the screen does not.
Update: Speaking with Stevivor, UPspec’s Andrew Upson explained some of the unit’s design decisions.
“In the prototype we have been using an IPS screen, however at this stage we are in the process of finalising the exact panel model we will use in the production of the xScreen to ensure we have reliable supply that can meet the high demand we have received,” Upson said when asked for more details about the xScreen’s display. “All models we are considering are high performance 1080p 60hz panels that are suited for video game use.”
Upson also confirmed that the xScreen’s form factor — and the fact that it matches the dimensions of the Xbox Series S itself — means that “in this screen size the highest resolution and framerate available in production is 1080p and 60hz,” meaning the device won’t be able to take advantage of the Series S’ 1440p, 120 frames-per-second capabilities.
“We don’t believe this is an issue as at the 11.6-inch size, 1080p looks amazingly sharp and there would not be a material perceivable benefit of increasing it,” Upson continued, “and due to the lower power of the Xbox Series S few modern games will run above 60fps, which is still a fantastic improvement from the last generation and looks amazing on xScreen.”
Upson also addressed the lack of an ethernet port passthrough.
“It would possible to update the design with a pass through for the Ethernet, but that would add to the cost and time,” he said.
“xScreen was designed with mobility in mind and ease of use. Only a single power cable is required when the xScreen is attached. Based on this we thought it wasn’t worth it given the xScreen is designed to be used in a more mobile way.”
xScreen is currently seeking funding and is targeting a January or February 2022 release date for backers. At present, backers can pledge $259 AUD to secure a screen, though spots at that pledge level are limited.
You can find out more about the project here.
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