The Xbox One S represents a major upgrade over its predecessor, the Xbox One, and has some new offers to enhance the gaming experience. With major redesign and feature upgrades, Microsoft’s new product is a valuable console, albeit with some issues to consider. Plenty to explore with the new system.
Design
The Xbox One S is thinner, about 40% smaller than the Xbox One, due to the smaller fan and integrated power supply unit. The separate Power Brick that was a major concern for gamers in previous versions is gone.
The two physical buttons for the power and eject function replace their touch counterparts. Sync and USB 3.0 ports are no longer seen on the side of the console, but in the lower half of the front for greater ease of access.
With optional vertical stand, the console can be stored directly. A new HDMI 2.0a connector replaces the HDMI 1.4 port, enabling support for high-resolution transmissions. Microsoft has removed the kinetic port from this model but retains support for this technology with an adapter. The console is white in color, offering no other option in this regard.
Features and Specifications
A special feature of the Xbox One S is its ability to support HDR gaming, a technology that was absent from previous models and did not yet include competing systems.
Other exciting new features include support for 4K streaming and 4K Ultra Blu-ray and a redesigned wireless controller. Unlike previous models, the wireless capability in this system allows you to connect the console to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as PCs and tablets.
The new model has an IR blaster that makes it easier to operate other devices, including TVs. Microsoft has removed the Kinetic port from the new system and integrated it into the design, but you can still use the Xbox One Kinetic sensor with an adapter.
The hard drive storage for the top-end variant of the model is 2TB, but there are two other variants available with 1TB and 500GB storage capacity. In comparison, the Xbox One has a storage size of 500GB.
Performance
The Xbox One S owns a more powerful CPU and GPU than the standard Xbox One. The 2TB variant gives you more space to store your games. The console’s support for higher frame rates enhances the gaming experience.
While HDR compatibility is good news, it’s up to the developers to decide whether the feature is available for use. Despite major changes, the new model still does everything Xbox does, including support for Cortana, Windows Store and Xbox 360 products, as well as the ability to play all Xbox One games.
Release date
Confirmed release date is August 2, 2016.
Cost and availability
While the price varies with the variant of the model, this console is cheaper than the predecessor. The 2TB variant is priced at $ 399 while the 1TB and 500GB are priced at $ 349 and $ 299 respectively. The combination of 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray player, 4K streaming capability and high processing power makes the new console a bargain. Microsoft has taken advantage of the product to pre-order in the US, UK and Australia.
Scarcity
Removing a dedicated kinetic port is a major drawback for those who need this technology. You need an adapter to enable this feature on the new console. The product comes in only one color – white, which is a problem for those who choose a different color.
Opinion
The Xbox One S offers value for money as it comes with an advanced console experience for the approximate price of the previous version. For first time buyers, the purchase decision is easy as this model promises an ideal gaming experience. Those who have recently purchased the standard Xbox One face the costly decision of whether to buy a new product or stick with the old one.
