At E3 2016, Microsoft announced a new, more advanced Xbox One, the Xbox One S. Today, they finally gave it a release date, and the 2TB Xbox One S launch edition will be hitting stores August 2.
As with all modern gaming systems, if you want to get it on launch date Microsoft is suggesting you pre-order. The new system is said to have limited supply at launch so act accordingly.
The Xbox One S, if you where not following the coverage, is a much more streamlined version of the Xbox One. 40 percent smaller then the original Xbox One, the Xbox One S also features a built in power supply, an IR Blaster, reorganized USB ports and no port for the Kinect.
Beyond console redesign, Microsoft as also give the Xbox One S the ability to play 4K movies. The system will have a 4K Blu-ray player, along with the ability to stream 4K Ultra HD content over a broadband connection. This will allow anyone who has an Xbox One S, and a compatible TV to enjoy all the 4K content they have access to them, they way it was intended. The Xbox One S also features the ability to play games with HDR (High Dynamic Range), allowing games such as Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3 and Scalebound to look better with better contrast between the ratio of lights and darks.
The Xbox One S will also come bundled with the new Xbox Wireless controller that Microsoft first introduced at E3 2016. This new controller features textured grips, improved Xbox wireless signal, with added Bluetooth functionality that can be used with Windows 10 without a adapter once the Windows Anniversary Edition hits computers worldwide.
The Xbox One S 2TB console will be launching at a $399 USD ($499.99 CAD) pricepoint in select markets including Australia, Canada, UK and United States along with many more. Microsoft will also be offering it in other Hard drive configurations, including a 1TB option for $349 USD ($449.99 CAD) and 500GB for $299 USD ($399.99 CAD).
Despite the new system offering select features the current Xbox One does have, Microsoft has assured CGMagazine at E3 that every game released will work on both the Xbox One S, and the Xbox One.
