Microsoft Shows Off New Xbox One S to Kick Off E3 Presser

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Microsoft Shows Off New Xbox One S to Kick Off E3 Presser

//cdn.themis-media.com/media/global/images/library/deriv/1329/1329035.jpgThe new Xbox One is real, and it's called Xbox One S.

To kick off its E3 presser this morning, Microsoft showed off the newest addition to its console lineup: the Xbox One S. Onstage, Phil Spencer called the console "The smallest Xbox One yet," and the marketing copy for the console claims it's a whopping 40% smaller, a significant reduction in size. The unit shown off onstage was a white case, and featured an all new controller.

Features-wise, there's plenty to talk about in this small unit. It's capable of 4K Ultra HD video, and will support 4K Ultra HD Bluray. The new console will also include an upgraded version of the Xbox One controller with textured grips on the back, and Bluetooth wireless for added range. One of the console's USB ports has been moved to the front of the console, and so has the controller pairing button. Missing is a dedicated Kinect port, so if you want to use the motion-sensing camera with your new Xbox One S, you'll need a USB adapter for it. Word is that Microsoft plans to offer the adapter free to Xbox One owners who upgrade to the new console.

The special launch edition of the Xbox One S will be available in early August, and will feature a 2 TB hard drive, and a $399 price point. Shortly thereafter, the two standard versions will launch, with the 500GB edition coming in at $299 and the 1 TB version at $349.


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[Bob_McMillan]

That's great, I guess.

It will certainly put a rest to the "IT LOOKS LIKE A VCR!" complaints.

 

[Something Amyss]

The new console will also include an upgraded version of the Xbox One controller with textured grips on the back, and Bluetooth wireless for added range.

And more latency and drops, if my PlayStation v 360 experience is remotely typical.

One of the console's USB ports has been moved to the front of the console, and so has the controller pairing button.

Xbox One: now with design common sense!

Missing is a dedicated Kinect port

Because the Kinect is so integral...wait, where are you guys going? Guys?

Still probably won't be buying an Xbone, but it's interesting to see the changes.

 

[tippy2k2]

Alright! One big name not giving the middle finger to its current user base with a "NEW 3DS" type bullshit upgrade. Now to see if Sony follows...

 

[Tanis]

I like, and I'm glad I waited.

 

[Damian Porter]

Alright! One big name not giving the middle finger to its current user base with a "NEW 3DS" type bullshit upgrade. Now to see if Sony follows...

Except that they are. They are still releasing a more powerful Xbox One next year.

 

[Outcast107]

Alright! One big name not giving the middle finger to its current user base with a "NEW 3DS" type bullshit upgrade. Now to see if Sony follows...

Except that they are. They are still releasing a more powerful Xbox One next year.

At least it looks like it going to be powerful. Unlike PS4 Neo.

 

[fix-the-spade]

At least it looks like it going to be powerful. Unlike PS4 Neo.

Wait until it's all released!

Microsoft have a history of cheaping out and every opportunity when it comes to hardware. They'll no doubt come out with some serious headlines numbers, but until we see how all those numbers are stitched together and the quality of the components it's meaningless.

The GPU of the PS4 and Xbone would be prime examples of this. They're both based off the HD7870, the chipsets are almost identical. Except Sony specs a higher clock speed, uses proper graphcs card RAM instead of system RAM and specs a better memory controller. So 'the same' GPU can do a lot more for Sony than it can for Microsoft.

I'm expecting a similar story with the new VR ready versions.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

What's the deal with the Kinect now? Is it redundant in the face of the forthcoming VR "revolution"? Is it part of MS's plan and will be important alongside/integrated with VR? Are there games that use kinect anymore? Does Sony have a wavy-wavy thing for the PS4?