Xbox One S Gets Official Release Date From Microsoft

Written by Brandon Hofer on July 18, 2016

News: Microsoft has revealed when in August you can go into a store and pick up the brand new slim Xbox One console.

Last month at E3 Microsoft revealed two new skus for the Xbox One. The first was the Xbox One S, a slimmer version than the original Xbox One. The second sku is simply known by its codename “Scorpio”. Unfortunately “Scorpio” won’t be available until holiday 2017 but the Xbox One S is getting set for release on August 2. There are three different configurations of the Xbox One S with a 500gb, 1tb and 2tb bundle respectively. Right now it appears that only the 2tb bundle is coming out on August 2 with the other two options arriving later this year. The 2tb bundle will be available for $399.99 at participating retailers although if you want to soften that financial blow a bit you can always sell your existing Xbox One to a retailer like Gamestop or Amazon and they will give you some money towards the Xbox One S.

The Xbox One S will support 4K Ultra HD and feature High Dynamic Range (HDR). The footprint of the Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the original Xbox One and will have a 2tb internal drive when released in a couple weeks. Another change with the Xbox One S is that there is no longer an external power brick. Microsoft now has an internal power supply for the Xbox One S meaning that all you have to do is plug it in to a power strip like most of your other electronics and not have to worry about a giant power brick.

With the HDR capability of the Xbox One S you will be able to experience richer, more luminous colors in upcoming titles such as Forza Horizon 3 and Gears of War 4. Of course you need to have a television that supports HDR as well. HDR brings a higher contrast ratio between lights and darks that will help bring out the depth in your favorite game.

Another new feature is 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray support and streaming. 4K Ultra HD delivers four times the resolution of standard HD which will make this the most realistic and clearest video you have ever seen. You will be able to stream 4K content on services that provide it such as Netflix and Amazon Video and with the 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray support you will be able to take advantage of that technology as well.

The Xbox One S comes with a bit of a redesigned Xbox One controller. The core of the controller is the same but this new version has some additions to it. It now has a more streamlined design and has a textured grip so you can hold on to it easier. Additionally the wireless range of the controller is almost twice that of the prior Xbox One controllers available and this new controller also has Bluetooth which will allow you to play your favorite games on many different devices such as a Windows 10 PC, tablets and phones.

The Xbox One S is going to be available on August 2 for $399. If you want to wait until later in the year you could also pick up the 500gb bundle for $299 or the 1tb for $349. Keep in mind that “Scorpio” is also coming out during holiday 2017. Will you be picking up a new Xbox One S when it launches on August 2? Tell us in the comments below.