Earlier, smoking Xbox One consoles was one of the reasons for complaint and one of the feared potential problems that users of the Microsoft next-gen console may face.

However, it appears that the issue has become a prevalent one, as Microsoft has finally addressed the issue head-on. Note that the reports have been sparse and mostly unsubstantiated, but the fact that hearing about smoking consoles is a very serious matter, this prompted the Xbox One console maker to reassure its consumers.

In an official statement to iGameResponsibly, Microsoft has conducted a few more checks that looked into two main systems, the smoke coming from consoles, as well as the amber lights on power bricks.

This is what Microsoft had to say for the Xbox One consoles, via iGameResponsibly:

"The situation described is not something we're seeing. If customers are experiencing any issues, they should contact Xbox Support at http://support.xbox,com. To clarify: that's correct; it's not something that the support team is seeing."

To be fair, some of the forums users who have pointed out the problem did post on the Xbox One Support forum that they had sent back their Xbox One console to Microsoft's supposed support arm. Nevertheless, this is substantiated only by their post on the forums.

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Two more chances to get the Xbox One after Black Friday

Waiting for Thanksgiving may have its benefits over those who weren't into competing and lining up with others who want their Xbox One consoles on the first day of release date.

GameSpot reports that Toys R Us has just recently announced that it will be having a fresh batch of Xbox One stocks in time for Thanksgiving weekend across their stores in the US, and the sale will continue until supplies are available.

However, it seems that in order avoid hoarders, Toys R Us is limiting the sale of the Xbox One console to one per customer.

Going beyond Thanksgiving Weekend is the Cyber Monday offers that Walmart has announced. According to The Examiner, Walmart has also included an Xbox One bundle in the mix, and this bundle lets you have your choice of game or an accessory for only $559.

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Another rival for the Xbox One: Steam Machine

When Valve first announced that it already had prototypes of the Steam Machine, which will supposedly pave the way towards PC-quality gaming in the living room, many people speculated whether or not it will become a big competition against the Xbox One and PS4.

However, as the hype for the two gaming consoles became more apparent, all attention has veered away from Valve to look into comparisons between Xbox One and PS4-- on which of the two takes the cake in terms of better games, better features, and better specs.

This time though, Steam Machines seem to be making its way back to public consciousness. PC World reports that iBuyPower, a custom PC maker, has revealed its own prototype of the Steam Machine, which looked a lot like an old VCR player but relatively less clunky than the Xbox One's dimensions.

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The specs it boasts of include a multicore AMD processor, AMD Radeon 50 270 graphics card, 500GB hard drive, wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a power supply within the actual Steam Machine.

The kicker feature? It costs the same as an Xbox One at $500. According to The Verge, this price tag already includes a Steam controller, which pretty much makes it ready to connect to your TV and start playing. Obviously, there will be other kinds of Steam Machines, especially with Valve planning to unveil its first Steam Machines from various hardware partners come the CES 2014 in January.

But given the power and specs of iBuyPower's prototype, there's no reason why consumers should shut out Steam Machines over the likes of the Xbox One or even the PS4 just yet.

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