It was only a matter of time before the big console makers threw a bigger hard drive into consoles. With so many titles needing to be installed, and games only becoming bigger, the 500GB really was not near enough. It seems Microsoft was the first one to bite the bullet.
The new Xbox One 1TB model was announced. Coming in at a $449CDN price point it will be the new standard for people going forward. If you want to save some money though, you can opt for the now reduced price 500GB model coming in at only $349 USD. Not only will the console be getting a new hard drive, the new 3.5mm headphone jack version of the Xbox One controller will also start making its way to consumers. No longer will people need the special adapter to enjoy audio out of the headset. Microsoft is quickly bridging the gap of features between the Xbox One and the PS4. We will see this E3 if it can keep the pace and actually steal some of the international market-share.
For full details about the announcement see below:
[quote_box_center]
Next week, Xbox is kicking off the biggest games week of the year as we head to Los Angeles for E3 2015 where we’ll showcase the best lineup in Xbox history. But before the lights go up and we take the stage for our media briefing, we wanted to share a few pieces of early news as we continue to put games and gamers at the center of everything we do.
Since Xbox One launched, one of the most frequent requests from fans is to add more storage to their consoles. Today, we’re unveiling the Xbox One 1TB console, with a new matte finish and more storage for your games and media, making it the best place to play the biggest blockbusters this holiday like Halo 5: Guardians, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Forza Motorsport 6. Only Xbox offers the most choice when it comes to storage options, now with increased on-board storage as well as the capability to extend game storage by adding an external USB 3.0 drive.
But that’s not all. We’re also including our newly designed Xbox One Wireless Controller that now comes with a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, and in select regions for a limited time, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the definitive Halo experience on Xbox One.*
Xbox One 1TB consoles will start shipping to retailers June 16 in the United States and select markets later this month and will be available starting at $399 USD ERP.* We’re also pleased to announce that starting today, the $349 USD price on all standard Xbox One 500GB consoles will be permanent in the United States and select regions.**
Now let’s take a closer look at the new Xbox One Wireless Controller, shipping with future consoles moving forward, and now featuring a 3.5mm stereo headset jack that lets you plug your favorite gaming headset right into the controller. With the updated controller, in addition to the volume and mute controls on gaming headsets, you’ll also have the option to adjust headset volume, mic monitoring, and voice and game audio balance through the Settings menu on your console. We’ve also improved the quality of audio coming through the controller and increased the maximum audio volume on headsets used with this controller, based on fan feedback. All existing controller accessories will work with the updated controller, including the Stereo Headset Adapter for those who want the convenience of fingertip control for their audio. In addition to audio improvements, we’ve fine-tuned the bumpers for more consistent performance anywhere along the full surface of the bumper. And we’ve enabled wireless firmware updates on the updated controller which eliminates having to connect the controller via USB cable to receive updates. What’s more, fans will be able to purchase the new controller as a standalone item in black as well as a new camouflage design in silver and black with the Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller.
And finally, as we mentioned at GDC, we are committed to designing Xbox accessories to support both Xbox and Windows 10. We are pleased to announce that starting this fall, you’ll be able to purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows to enjoy the freedom and convenience of the wireless controller on Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets.*** With the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows, you’ll simply plug the Adapter into the USB 2.0 or 3.0 port of your Windows 10 PC and bind the Adapter to your Wireless Controller to enable the same gaming experience you’re used to on Xbox One, including in-game chat and high-quality stereo audio. The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows will be available for $24.99 U.S. MSRP or bundled with an Xbox One Wireless Controller for $79.95 U.S. MSRP* and sold in most markets where Xbox accessories are currently available.
We’re extremely grateful to our fans for your continued feedback and the Xbox team is continually working hard to expand and improve the experience. 2015 is going to be a great year for gamers.
[/quote_box_center]
