After months of anticipation, the Xbox Series X finally went on sale on November 10th. Many eager fans have rushed out to buy the new console, with many posting photos of their purchase on social media.
Worryingly, several videos and photos posted online on November 11th appeared to show plumes of smoke coming from the new Xbox Series X console. While the videos initially raised concerns of a fault in the Xbox Series X, it now seems that many pranksters had used vape smoke to create the illusion.
It seems that internet trolls were faking Xbox Series X problems for memes. What appears to be happening is that people are piping vape smoke into their new £500 consoles to give off the appearance of a fire to troll fans on social media.
The smoking videos have gone far enough that Microsoft itself has dignified it with a response. They said: ‘‘We can’t believe we have to say this, but please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X.’’
Xbox news account Xbox Studio decided to test the vaping theory themselves. They managed to achieve a similar effect by blowing vapour into the bottom of the Xbox Series X, for it to then be sucked up out the top of the console. Those who created the original videos claimed their footage was real as their Xbox had “shut itself off.” However, the video from Xbox Studio shows that air is still cycled through after the power light has gone out. Long enough to create a fake smoking Xbox video, at least.
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are available to purchase now.
Words by Lois Dean
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.