Xbox Series X and S: Old console sales surge on pre-order day amid apparent naming confusion

(Microsoft)

Sales of the current generation of Xbox have rocketed as people rush to buy the new Xbox Series X and S.

The new consoles went on sale on 22 September, with pre-orders beginning ahead of the release date in November. But the old consoles had a very good day too, with the existing Xbox One X surging up Amazon's "Movers & Shakers" charts over the pre-order day.

It is impossible to know how many people were actually intending to buy that console. But it's likely that at least some of them were actually looking for the new console, which is distinguished by only one word.

The confusion may have been caused by Microsoft's unconventional naming systems for its various console. The Xbox 360 was followed by the Xbox One, and the Xbox One X has been followed by the Xbox Series X, making it difficult to tell from afar which of the Xboxes are most up to date.

The complicated naming systems have even led Microsoft itself to making the mistake, writing in promotional materials that a new game would be coming to "Xbox One Series X".

Microsoft's current Xbox line-up is made up of the cheaper Xbox One S and the more expensive, more powerful Xbox One X. The next-generation consoles are named the Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X.

The rapid rise in the sale of the Xbox One X console was pointed out by a Twitter user who tracks gaming deals online.

He pointed out that Microsoft had “got themselves into a weird spot with the Xbox naming situation”, given the fact there appeared to be no easily discernible system to the various names.

Microsoft has already suggested that it sees the new Xboxes as part of a continuous evolution from the previous generation, rather than a dramatic break. Accessories will be entirely backwards-compatible, for instance, and the company is looking to ensure that games mostly transfer from the old Xbox to the new one.

The Xbox Series X and Series S will arrive on 10 November, Microsoft revealed earlier this month. It also announced pricing details for both consoles before pre-orders opened on 22 September.

In addition to the new consoles, it revealed new controllers – which look largely identical to those sold with the current Xbox.