So you are sitting there, might be watching YouTube, maybe scrolling Instagram, and suddenly — you see this ad pop up.
At first, you think, “Oh cool, a new Xbox ad.” But then… wait. It’s not loud. It’s not flashing explosions. It’s not even colorful.
It’s dark. Moody. Slow.
It almost feels like you’re about to watch a trailer for a deep psychological movie.
And then you realize — this ad isn’t just any ad. It’s directed by none other than David Fincher — the guy who made Fight Club, Gone Girl, Se7en, and other legendary films.
This isn’t just about selling a Xbox Series S Controller. This is about telling a story — and it’s got everybody talking.
Meet Horatio
The ad is called “Wake Up.”
The main character? A rat — but with a twist. His name is Horatio.
Horatio lives in a city called “Squeakattle” (yes, a play on Seattle + squeak). It’s a world run by rats, and Horatio’s life looks exactly like the “rat race” we humans joke about — boring train rides, soul-crushing office jobs, endless routines.
Every day feels the same.
Until one day, Horatio sees something.
He sees humans playing Xbox, holding a Xbox Series S Controller. They’re laughing, smiling, looking alive.
Horatio gets curious.
He picks up the controller, tries gaming for himself — playing games like the new Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
And boom — something inside him changes. Gaming doesn’t just entertain him. It reconnects him to his humanity.
By the end of the ad, Horatio literally sheds his rat features and becomes human again — symbolizing how gaming can bring people (or rats, apparently!) back to life.
It’s beautiful, it’s weird, and it hits way harder than you’d expect for a 2-minute commercial.
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David Fincher’s Magic
For anyone who’s watched his movies, the style was unmistakable.
Everything about the “Wake Up” ad screams Fincher vibes.The muted colors. The gritty streets.The camera pans slowly, with a calm, controlled feel. The attention to tiny little details — like the flicker of a neon sign, or the worn-out posters on a subway wall.
There’s no bright superhero energy here.
There’s no “look at our cool console!” hype-jumping.
It’s thoughtful. It’s emotional.
It’s almost… sad. But in the best way.
It’s rare to see a gaming ad that feels grown-up without being boring.
And honestly? It’s kind of genius.
Because it doesn’t scream at you to buy the Xbox Series S Black or rush to play the latest game.
It invites you — quietly — to remember why you loved gaming in the first place.
This Feels Familiar
If you’re an older gamer, you might be thinking:
“Hold up… this reminds me of those weird PlayStation 2 ads from back in the day!”
And you’d be 100% right.
Back in the early 2000s, Sony had some seriously strange PS2 commercials.
Ads that didn’t even show the console half the time.
Ads that were creepy, artsy, confusing — but you couldn’t look away.
The “Wake Up” Xbox ad taps into that same energy.
It doesn’t spoon-feed you a message. It makes you feel something first.
Then it lets your brain figure out the rest.
It’s a bold move. And it’s giving major PS2 nostalgia to anyone who remembers when gaming marketing was just as experimental and daring as the games themselves.
Xbox Series S Controller
Let’s not forget the real-world star of the ad: the Xbox Series S Controller.
There’s a reason they keep showing close-up shots of the controller.
It’s sleek. It’s comfortable.
It’s that perfect balance of lightweight but sturdy, with textured grips that make marathon gaming sessions way easier on your hands.
Whether you’re playing high-speed racing games, intense shooters, or cozy adventure games, the Xbox Series S Controller feels natural — like an extension of your hand.
And honestly? After seeing Horatio use it to “wake up,” you kind of want to grab one yourself and see what magic it unlocks for you too.
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Speaking of sleek — have you seen the Xbox Series S Black console?
It’s the same powerhouse Series S you know — super fast loading times, beautiful gameplay, compact design — but now it comes in an all-black version that looks even cooler.
Not gonna lie, the Xbox Series S Black just looks way sleeker — that all-black design gives it a clean, modern edge. It fits in anywhere — whether you have a fancy gaming setup with lights or just play in your bedroom. It may be minor, but it makes a huge impact. And it matches the dark, stylish vibe of the “Wake Up” ad really well.
Top Xbox Series S Games You Should Try
So, you’ve unboxed your Xbox Series S and the sleek black controller — now the big question: what game do you dive into first?
Here are some top picks that show off what the Series S can really do:
- Halo Infinite – The return of Master Chief. Great story, great multiplayer.
- Forza Horizon 5 – Gorgeous, open-world racing across beautiful landscapes.
- Starfield – Explore the stars in Bethesda’s massive space RPG.
- Elden Ring – Brutal, beautiful, unforgettable.
- Minecraft – Always a classic. Build, explore, survive.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Coming soon — and featured in the ad! Looks like you’re in for something big.
One of the best parts?
Thanks to Xbox Game Pass, you can dive into tons of amazing Xbox Series S games without having to buy each one individually. It’s a gamer’s dream.
Xbox Series S Release Date: A Quick Recap
In case you’re new around here — the Xbox Series S release date was November 10, 2020.
It launched alongside the more powerful Series X, but the Series S quickly found a huge audience. Why?
Because it’s affordable, small enough to fit anywhere, and still delivers next-gen performance that feels absolutely amazing.
And now with the new black version and a fresh wave of great games, it feels like the Series S is only getting better with time.
Final Takeaway
You know, at the end of the day, Xbox didn’t just drop a cool ad — they set a whole vibe in motion.These days, gaming isn’t just about climbing leaderboards or stacking trophies.
It’s about the feeling — catching that mood, getting pulled into something that actually hits different.
Gaming lets us zone out, dive into other worlds, get lost in stories — and honestly, sometimes it helps us feel a little more like ourselves again.
It’s more than just playing. It’s an experience. Through the eyes of a little rat named Horatio, directed by a cinematic legend like David Fincher, Xbox delivered a message that hits deeper than any explosion-filled commercial ever could. It made us remember what gaming felt like when we first fell in love with it — and honestly? That’s pure magic.
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FAQ’s
1. What is the Xbox Series S Controller featured in the “Wake Up” ad?
The controller in the ad is the regular Xbox Series S wireless controller. It’s really comfortable to hold, the buttons are easy to press, and it works perfectly with the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and even your Windows PC. Just grab it and start playing — no stress at all.
2. Who directed the Xbox Series S “Wake Up” commercial?
The ad was directed by David Fincher, the guy behind movies like Fight Club, Se7en, and Gone Girl. His signature dark, cinematic style is what makes this ad stand out and feel so different from your typical gaming commercial.
3. What are some of the best Xbox Series S games to play right now?
Popular choices include Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, Minecraft, and the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle — which was also teased in the ad.
4. Can I use the Xbox Series S Controller with other devices?
Yep! The Xbox Series S Controller works with Xbox Series X|S, Windows PCs, and even your phone via Bluetooth. It’s super simple to use no matter where you’re gaming!
5. Why does the Xbox ad feel like it’s from the PS2 era?
The ad really takes you back to the PS2 days with its artsy, dreamlike, and a little spooky storytelling. It’s a nod to those experimental gaming ads from the early 2000s.
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