The next generation of console gaming is just around the corner and some of the minor issues are already being revealed: Microsoft says that you can't remove the Xbox Series X stand.
The Xbox Series X is Microsoft's next-generation gaming console and it's all set to launch on November 10, 2020 alongside the budget-friendly Xbox Series S. Gamers are getting hyped for the next generation of console gaming, but one tiny problem has already been discovered.
"One of the most common questions I've gotten is if the round stand on the bottom of the Series X is removable, in the event you choose to lay it on its side," stated IGN's Executive Editor of Previews Ryan McCaffrey in a tweet. "I couldn't find a way to take it off, and I just confirmed with Microsoft that it is indeed not removable. So just FYI!"
Why Can't You Remove the Xbox Series X Stand?
The Xbox Series X stand is a circle attached to the console at the bottom. It's there for a reason, but gamers might not have noticed why it's there — and more importantly, why it can't be removed.
The Xbox Series X has a really nice website that shows some of the internals of the console. We didn't get a 360 degree view of the system when it was revealed (and it's still not available at the time of writing), but one video shows us why the stand is there in the first place:
Take a look at the video for yourself and you'll likely understand why the Xbox Series X stand is there:
If it isn't entirely clear, the above video shows the airflow of the Xbox Series X case. Air is sucked into the console from the bottom, passes over the internal components, and is vented out from the top.
The console's underside shows that it is entirely flat. The circular stand raises it ever so slightly, so much so that it is nearly imperceptible when the console is standing vertically. If this stand were not there, the air intake holes on the underside would be obstructed and the Xbox Series X could potentially overheat.
So, why can't you remove the stand? Microsoft is likely concerned that gamers will take the stand off, forget to replace it (or lose it altogether), and place the console vertically. That would partially or entirely block the air intake fan and risk overheating the console.
While the Xbox Series X stand may not be too attractive when the console is on its side, it serves a purpose there, too — without it, you would just as easily be in danger of sliding it up against a wall or object and similarly blocking the air intakes.
Microsoft's move to make the stand a permanent fixture may be unpopular, but it's certainly understandable considering the possible risks. You'll be able to get your hands on an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S when it launches on November 10, 2020.
What do you think of the inability to remove the Xbox Series X stand? Do you think Microsoft could have devised a better solution that was more visually appealing? Let us know in the comments below!
