It is tempting to tag the Xbox One S as ‘the console the Xbox One should have been’.
In some ways that’s not quite true; the technological hop that allows Microsoft’s slimmer machine to pack in a UHD Blu-Ray player, 4K video streaming and HDR (high dynamic range) support is more consistent with a mid-generational hike. A handful of bullet-point temptations to encourage new buyers to jump in and technophiles to upgrade.
But in as much as its possible for a box of electronics to have an ethos, the Xbox One S is the console the Xbox One should have been. It is a slim white machine that is happy to be a games console –and is exceedingly good at it- rather than a monolith looking to dominate your living room and profess to be your one-stop entertainment box. Though the S is rather good at that too.
It isn’t just down to this new machine. Rather the S is a physical manifestation of Microsoft’s attempt to wrestle back ground lost from a confused and mislead start to the Xbox One’s life. Under Phil Spencer’s stewardship, Xbox has swung back to games first and foremost. A heavier focus on independent titles and hardcore games, a dramatically reworked user interface and now this new box. In drive and design, it is a significant improvement. The only question is if it has come too late.
Design
The original Xbox One was not a pretty machine. It seemed to be designed to take up as much space as possible, with a 80s VHS-esque bulk, harsh lines and plasticky fascia. It attracted dust and its gloss black finish was easily scratched. The S is a more attractive box is every sense. It is 40% smaller, though feels similar in weight, and has a ‘robot white’ matte finish that looks good and feels more ‘expensive’.
The half and half design from the original Xbox One is retained, but is much more considered. A dotted vent on the right hand side surrounds the console’s internal fan and looks a lot smarter than the original’s clunky grill.
More practically, the machine can now stand on its side with a simple stand (included in the currently sold out 2TB SKU but will be sold separately for the 1TB and 500GB versions). And, perhaps most significantly, is powered internally. So no chunky power brick to squeeze behind the telly. There are reports that the internal power mean the fan runs louder, but I didn’t notice a particular hike in noise compared to the original.
Source: xbox one – Google News
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