Smaller, 4K-ready Xbox One S finally has a launch date
Microsoft's new smaller and sleeker Xbox One S finally has a release date: Aug. 2.
Announced at E3 in June, the Xbox One S is Microsoft's most compact Xbox game console yet. Starting at $299 with a 500GB hard drive, the Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the Xbox One, supports 4K UHD resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos.
Even if a game wasn't made for 4K, the Xbox One S can upscale to 4K resolution, Xbox boss Phil Spencer told Mashable.
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An Xbox first: The power supply is built into the console. The console also stands vertically (yes!).
The smaller console will also be available with 1TB of hard drive storage for $349 and with 2TB for $399.99 (this one launches later on Aug. 31).
If white isn't your color and you prefer something a grittier and bloodier, Microsoft's also releasing a limited edition Gears of War 4 Xbox One S bundle with a 2TB hard drive; pre-orders start on Aug. 1 at $449.99 with shipping in mid-September.
In addition the snazzier design, the console also includes a streamlined Xbox One controller for better grip and improved wireless range and Bluetooth connectivity support for use with PCs running Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update).
The Xbox One S is, of course, merely a minor update until the more powerful Xbox "Scorpio" console, which will be able to deliver 6 teraflops of processing power from its graphics processor, launches next year.
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Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
