While rumors surrounding the Xbox One S were substantiated by discussions on various forums, it was leaked directly by circulation of Microsoft’s own promotional images
Published By:
Angela Campbell
on June 13, 2016 09:25 am EST
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has not had a good generation when it comes to gaming. After essentially leveling field with its Xbox 360 console against Sony Corp’s (SNE) PlayStation 3, many expected Microsoft to emerge as the dominant force in multiple markets this generation with North America specifically in focus. Sony built a perceivably far more powerful console as well as launched it at a price point $100 below the base Xbox One console. The Xbox was the also center of a massive PR disaster thanks to a huge confusion regarding Microsoft’s policy which culminated into essentially it ceding control of all its major markets and currently facing an insurmountable sales lead.
Microsoft has, however, rallied nicely under its new division head, Phil Spencer. While it has been ceding important space when it comes to exclusives, the brand has become a relative go-to device for users who are more budget-conscious, do not get along well with the Sony platform, like FPS games or are willing and able to buy multiple game consoles this generation. Even as the Xbox One currently positions itself at $300 against the PlayStation 4’s $350 market price, it tends to be outsold based on the PS4 platform’s perceived superiority. That being said, a hardware refresh bringing in the coveted “4K” badge, even in a limited capacity could very well be an ideal selling point for the Xbox One S given that both current generation consoles cannot play or upscale games to 4K output currently. It must be noted, however, that the image only claims 4K Ultra HD Video; there is little to no mention of the actual feature extending to games.
A 40% smaller console could be in part due to a reduced integrated power supply that could get rid of the massive power supply that is otherwise a signature addition to all Xbox consoles. With added support for high dynamic range (HDR) to boost its visual prowess in addition to a vertical stand, the new Xbox One S with a touted 2TB HDD and a vertical stand could very well drive demand in the industry if priced correctly, something that also indicates that the lower price point for the current Xbox One console could very well become permanent in the near future.
A more confusing aspect of this leak talked about a “streamlined controller,” something that will probably be explained during Microsoft’s E3 conference later today. While this does not seem to be the claimed “Xbox Scorpio” hardware upgrade, it does bring some key ingredients for success given that it is essentially Microsoft’s first real hardware redesign since the original Xbox One was released nearly 3 years ago.
While there is no official release date or price point, we expect it to be priced below the PlayStation 4’s current premium 1TB model that costs approximately $400 and also to be in time for the winter season in order to maximize sales for Christmas. While there could be a black colored model in the future, for now, we only have proof that it exists in white color. Microsoft’s E3 2016 conference starts at June 13, 9:30AM PT / 12:30PM ET and can be watched online via various streaming mediums such as YouTube.
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Source: xbox one – Google News
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