As expected, Microsoft has today revealed at their E3 2016 press conference that they will indeed be releasing a new slimmer version of their Xbox One console. The newly re-designed model known as the Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the current Xbox One, packs a massive 2TB hard drive and will be able to play games in 4K. Not only this but it will also feature the ability to now stand vertically much like Nintendo’s Wii U and Sony’s PS4.
It’s key to highlight that this new version is being dubbed as a ‘high end Xbox One’ but the base functionality is much the same as the original, they will both share the same library of games and run the same applications. If you have a launch date Xbox One with an external HDD plugged in – thus increasing system storage – then the big main feature you will be missing is 4K.
Of course, this is Microsoft’s way of future proofing themselves for when (like HD before it) 4K becomes the normal household resolution. However, with 4K TV uptake still relatively slow due to limited content and poor levels of global internet connection speeds this becoming commonplace is still a while away.
With the now confirmed rumour that Sony will also be launching a similar 4K console is this good news financially for the tech industry who consistently aim to push people to upgrade but not so much for the general consumer? Are you happy to see a new sleeker Xbox One, irrelevant of 4K? Or are you still more than happy with your standard Xbox One? Let us know in the comments!
Jake Buchanan | @HDD_Heart
