During Microsoft’s post-briefing E3 demo showcase, we were shown the final production model of the Xbox One S. Not to be confused with the so-called “Project Scorpio“, this is essentially the same console in a much smaller package. It also comes with some connectivity tweaks, a redesigned controller, 4K Blu-ray support and an integrated power supply. Here are the photos.
Have you ever wished your Xbox One was a bit smaller? You’re certainly not alone: measuring 274 x 79 x 333 mm and weighing over 3.5 kilograms, it’s significantly larger than the PS4 or any other console you care to mention. Then there’s that brick-sized PSU to contend with. It’s just too bloody big for it’s own good.
The Xbox One S attempts to remedy this. According to Microsoft, the new-look console is 40% smaller than it’s predecessor. The top-end 2TB version will retail for a $549.95 in Australia. There’s also a 500GB model for $US299. Australian pricing has yet to be revealed for this version but it will probably cost somewhere in the region of $450.
The new console is capable of supporting 4K video (including the just-released 4K Blu-ray format), plus HDR output with compatible TVs. (Microsoft has confirmed that all content can be upscaled.) Other hardware differences include some port rearrangements (see below) and the addition of an integrated IR blaster.
The “robot white” colour scheme is certainly an interesting finish. As far as we know, there won’t be a black version at launch.
Connectivity options remain largely unchanged. One notable exception is the removal of a dedicated Kinect port. Kinect will still work with the Xbox One S, but you’ll need to connect via a USB adaptor. (This will be offered free of charge to current Xbox One Kinect owners.)
One of the biggest differences is the addition of an integrated power supply. This is a bigger deal than you might think; especially if you have limited space in your home entertainment unit or regularly transport your console to friends’ houses.
Here’s the side view. Unlike the original Xbox One the air vents are very prominent. We can’t attest to how noisy this thing is during operation. All that hardware in such a confined area must surely tax the fan more. But we’ll reserve our judgement until we see it in action.
Like the PlayStation 4, it can be placed either horizontally or vertically. Microsoft will be offering a stand accessory but this isn’t actually required: the console stands up fine without it.
The Xbox One S comes with the same number of USB ports as the Xbox One, but one has been shifted to the front for easier access.
The pairing button has also been moved to the front of the console.
The Xbox One S will ship with a newly designed Xbox Wireless Controller with textured grip, sturdier thumbsticks and improved wireless signal performance with up to twice the wireless range. It also has inbuilt Bluetooth for use with Windows 10 games. According to an Xbox source we spoke to, the redesigned controller will also be bundled with regular Xbox Ones moving forward.
Here’s the Xbox One S and original Xbox One side by side. As was demonstrated at the event, you can literally fit the S entirely inside the Xbox One’s outer chassis with room to spare. This is pretty impressive when you consider it also houses its own PSU.
Kotaku attended E3 as a guest of Microsoft.
Comments
9 responses to “In Pictures: Say Hello To The Xbox One S”
That’s a nice looking Wii, seriously though that is the best looking Xbox I’ve ever seen.
As far as I can tell it’s exactly the same size as the original Xbone 😛
Will be in black as well though? I don’t want a white one D=
I cant see why you would get this one now they have announced Hank Scorpio.
Estimates on price? Even if RRP of S is $399AUD by the time Scorpio arrives, it’ll be $700+ surely. Unless MS plays it smart and takes a hit to begin with.
I feel like they would be willing to take a hit just to make sure their console is no longer considered “The slow one”
I could be wrong of course!
I personally think they are screwed. The teraflops on it isn’t enough to play the same quality as now, with 4K native render. And they will have to take an insane hit on price.
Sony will just wait another year, and drop one with native 4K render at better quality, and it’ll be a repeat.
Seems like a good entry point for 4K blu ray. Like that it comes with a bluetooth XBox controller, makes it more usable for PC gaming (where I play games…). Don’t like the white, it’s going to stand out a lot in the TV cabinet when everything else is black… I’d prefer a black version. $450 is probably a little too high to buy straight away, but it’ll certainly be on my radar for any special deals.
Samsung 4K bluray player is $548 right now, so yes very good price for a 4K bluray player.