When people think of gaming in the modern sense, one of the major concerns would always be the thermals.
In a normal circumstance, a moderately-heated machine is but the norm, which is why our computers and consoles have a heat dissipation system in the first place. Beyond that, however, things could become chiefly concerning.
Heat does not only reduce the lifespan of the hardware that makes up the machine, but it could also potentially ruin it. But in the offset chance that the component is durable enough to withstand the heat, the next issue boils down to the developing ambient temperature.
A heat source
In the case of the Xbox Series X, it appears to be the latter. So much so, in fact, that the “lucky” few who manage to get their hands on a preview build claims the same thing—the console is literally a heat source.
Xbox Series X May Have A Heat Problem https://t.co/B86QgA643L pic.twitter.com/5aX0TCg2WV
— Game Rant (@GameRant) October 6, 2020
French video game site, Jeux Video, put it simply via Ken Bogard when it claims that the Microsoft console is “really hot.” Or in the longer version, translated into English by VGC:
“It doesn’t make any noise, but damn it’s hot.”
“The console is emitting heat like crazy. It’s almost like a fireplace shaft. You can heat up your flat with it.”
Yet, another claim
Jeux Video is not alone in the sentiment, however, as even Jeff Bakalar of CNET also had a similar experience with the Xbox Series X, albeit also with an added twist. To which he said:
“Here’s what’s crazy… this was just plugged-in in standby mode behind me and you guys, the entire thing is a little toasty.”
“It seems like in the way like a lot of the other consoles were doing stuff while you were not using them, it seems like this thing might be doing something while you’re not using it, to the point where it needs to exhaust heat.”
For a gaming machine that is designed to appear like a chimney, the Xbox Series X acts like a fireplace that overflows with heat. And, as it appears, the issue does not only speak when the console is running on full load. It also seems to be sweat-inducing even when idle.
People who live in cold areas may not necessarily find the issue the least bit troublesome. On the contrary, it might even be considered a welcome feature to counterbalance the oppressive colds from the outside. But for those who live in relatively warmer areas, adding more heat to the room temperature is least embraced.
Image used courtesy of KingThrash Gaming/YouTube Screenshot