The Xbox One will get its first redesign when the Xbox One S launches on August 2 across Australia and the rest of the world.
Heading into the sleek redesign’s release, here’s a breakdown of the basics.
Xbox One S Release Date by region
The 500GB Xbox One S and 2TB Limited Edition Xbox One S are scheduled for a worldwide release on August 2, 2016. The 1TB variants will launch worldwide on August 23.
MORE: The Xbox One S makes perfect sense if you’re ‘outside the Xbox family’
Xbox One S Editions
Limited Edition Xbox One S 2TB Console
- $549 AUD
- Out August 2
Xbox One S 500GB Console
- $399
- Out August 23
Xbox One S 1TB Console
- $499
- Out August 23
2TB Xbox One S Gears Of War 4 Limited Edition Console
- $599 (comes with Gears Of War 4 game)
- Out October 7
Xbox One S Controller
The Limited Edition Xbox One S 2TB Console comes with a single Xbox Wireless Controller. You can purchase additional Xbox One S-themed controllers separately.
The Xbox One S controller offers:
- Better build quality, improving the quality of the material used for a stronger overall feel
- Extended range, which is said to be up to 75 percent stronger than the original Xbox One controller
- If your PC and Windows-based device has Bluetooth, you’ll no longer need to use the Xbox One Wireless Adapter to use your Xbox One controller, as the Xbox One S controller can be connected via Bluetooth connectivity.
MORE: How the Dreamcast almost led to a completely different Xbox experience to the one we know today
Xbox One S vs Xbox One side by side comparison
The Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the original Xbox One design. The external power brick that dangles from the current Xbox One is now an internal power brick that can be found inside the Xbox One S.
Source: CNET
Xbox One S measurements
Xbox One
- 6.25″ x 1.8125″ x 4.625″
- Volume: 52.39 cubic inches
Xbox One S
- 4.25″ x 1″ x 3″
- Volume: 12.75 cubic inches
Does the Xbox One upscale games to 4K?
Yes. Xbox One S supports native 4K for video and Blu-ray, but not for games. The original Xbox One came with an HDMI 1.4a port, so 4K output could have only happened at 30Hz via an update. The Xbox One S supports HDMI 2.0a, meaning it supports proper 4K 60Hz output. Games won’t output in native 4K, but can be upscaled on compatible televisions.
Xbox One S UHD Blu-Ray and 4K Support
The Xbox One S supports 4K video streaming from the likes of Netflix, and also has a built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray player. The console’s HDMI 2.0a supports means the console will offer deeper colour space, as well as allow High Dynamic Range (HDR). Deeper blacks and more natural colours are what you’ll expect with Xbox One S if you own a 4K television.
Xbox One S Specs
Developers that want to take advantage of HDR will have access to additional processing power, meaning games will look and run better on Xbox One S. Gears Of War 4 developer The Coalition is utilising raw GPU and CPU power to improve frame rate and visual stability. The studio says they have been able to “leverage the additional power”.
While the specs are essentially the same as the Xbox One, the Xbox One S’ additional processing power is for games that can run in HDR. Don’t expect better overall graphics, but for the games that actually utilise that additional processing power, expect crisper colours and more stable frame rates.
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