Just like the PS5, Microsoft's Xbox Series X has been the subject of several memes over the past few months – most notably with many users comparing its box-like design with a fridge. Now that the console is finally in gamers' hands, a brand new prank has emerged online – and Microsoft itself has been forced to intervene.
Viral videos have been doing the rounds, purporting to show smoke billowing out of the top of the console. It appears as though the Xbox Series X has overheated, and certainly isn't a good look for any games console – particularly so soon after launch (here's where to get an Xbox Series X if you're on the lookout).
Same... pic.twitter.com/QcnWY9VQBFNovember 11, 2020
While it looks like pretty shocking stuff, an unofficial Xbox account tweeted (below) revealing how the effect is created by piping vape smoke into the console. Thanks the the power of that conspicuously large fan on the top of the device, the smoke pours upwards to create the illusion.
CANSADO de las FAKE NEWS.Os dejo un video MIO explicando porque es Fake lo de la consola "Quemada" y como han logrado este efecto incluso estando la consola "APAGADA" pic.twitter.com/LfXzIBSu6NNovember 11, 2020
We wouldn't recommend, you know, filling your brand new console with smoke (it probably isn't covered by the warranty), but we also can't help but admire the creativity of the videos. It's one hell of a realistic effect, created without the help of any kind of VFX software. Quite what compelled the first prankster to pipe smoke into their Xbox, we can only guess. (Perhaps it also involved smoke.)
And now Microsoft itself has got involved, issuing a response that it "can't believe" it has to say. Yes, the company has officially asked gamers not to blow vape smoke into their Xbox Series X.
We can't believe we have to say this, but please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X.November 11, 2020
Microsoft has form when it comes to handling memes. How did it respond to gamers calling the Xbox Series X a giant fridge? By creating a giant Xbox Series X fridge. But if you've already failed to heed Microsoft's advice and filled your Xbox Series X with smoke, here's where to buy a PS5.
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