A couple of viral videos of the new Xbox Series X bellowing smoke have been called out as fakes after it was revealed the effect could easily be created by blowing vape smoke into the bottom of the console.
At least two videos showing thick smoke rising from the Xbox Series X’s top vent holes were enough to worry some buyers of Microsoft’s new machine, but eagle-eyed viewers noted that the smoke looked suspiciously similar to the kind produced by vapes and e-cigarettes.
Xbox Studio put the theory to the test. The experiment replicates the original videos perfectly, with the smoke getting sucked up and pumped out the top. Some posters of the original video claimed the XBSX had shut itself off once the smoke appeared. Xbox Studio shows that when the console is turned off and the fans slow to a stop, the smoke continues to rise for a short time.
Microsoft has responded to the videos with a tweet that read: “We can’t believe we have to say this, but please do not blow vape smoke into your Xbox Series X.” It did add, however, that it takes all product safety reports seriously and will be investigating further.
