Ethereum News Today: OKX Launches X Layer Testnet Migrating to Cost-Efficient Blockchain Infrastructure

The X Layer testnet has officially gone live, marking a pivotal step in OKX’s blockchain infrastructure evolution. With OKB, the native token of the OKX ecosystem, now serving as the primary gas token for the X Layer, the platform is transitioning away from Ethereum-based operations to a more cost-efficient and scalable blockchain solution [1]. This migration is expected to streamline transaction costs and consolidate OKX’s blockchain activities onto a single, unified network, improving operational efficiency and user experience [1].

Users are already able to interact with the testnet by obtaining testnet tokens via a faucet and executing cross-chain transactions on Sepolia [1]. The activation of the testnet is part of a broader strategy by OKX to optimize its decentralized services and enhance its blockchain infrastructure. The X Layer is now positioned as the primary layer for OKX’s decentralized operations, effectively phrasing out the Ethereum Layer-1 version [1].

The market has responded positively to the development. On August 21, OKB experienced a significant price increase, rising more than 55% to nearly $200, driven by growing investor expectations around the migration to X Layer and the increased utility of OKB within the ecosystem [2]. Analysts have linked this price action to increased confidence in the platform’s long-term scalability and the evolving role of OKB as a core utility token.

In parallel, OKX has announced the burning of 65 million OKB tokens, reducing the total supply to a fixed 21 million [3]. This move introduces a deflationary dynamic that may support OKB’s price over time by reducing the circulating supply. Combined with the gas token integration and testnet launch, the deflationary strategy signals a strategic overhaul of OKX’s blockchain roadmap.

The X Layer’s launch represents more than a technical upgrade—it aligns with industry-wide trends toward self-sufficient, scalable blockchain infrastructure. As demand for decentralized finance and blockchain applications grows, platforms like OKX are increasingly prioritizing cost-effective, in-house solutions to reduce dependency on external networks like Ethereum. This shift could influence other exchanges and DeFi platforms seeking similar infrastructure improvements [1].

From a user perspective, the transition to X Layer is expected to simplify transaction processes and reduce fees, offering a smoother experience for developers and traders on the platform. By designating OKB as the gas token, OKX ensures continuity for users who have long interacted with the ecosystem through this token, avoiding the complexity of managing multiple utility tokens. This seamless integration is likely to accelerate adoption of the X Layer.

The full impact on the broader crypto market remains to be seen, but the move underscores OKX’s commitment to evolving its infrastructure in line with technological advancements and user demand. As the testnet stabilizes, further integrations and updates are expected, potentially expanding the platform’s capabilities in decentralized trading and cross-chain services.

Source:

[1] PROOF News Today | Latest PROOF Updates, https://www.bitget.com/price/proof/news

[2] Victim Loses $91M in Bitcoin Scam - Crypto, https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-21-aug-2025/liveblog/123417173.cms

[3] Crypto Short News – Latest Real-Time Updates, https://coinpedia.org/crypto-live-news/