Today we’re taking a look at Microsoft’s new Xbox One S. The “S” stands for slim and holy crap does this console live up to its name. There are quite a few reasons to love this version over the OG Xbox One, but we’ll let you be the judge of that…
There’s mostly identical functionality here as found with the Xbox One, but a few added features that may make it worth the upgrade. Inside of the box you’ll of course find the Xbox One S in its beautifully slim goodness, along with a power cable, an HDMI cable, a pretty epic white controller, and a pair of AA batteries.
This limited edition 2TB model also comes along with a pretty slick vertical stand that can be purchased optionally for twenty bucks, but one of the best upgrades here in terms of the design aside from its slimness, is the fact that the power supply is built-in, so you won’t have a clunky brick laying around. This console is 40% slimmer than before and it DEFINITELY shows. This is the Xbox One Microsoft should have released. Compared to the previous generation, it’s a night and day difference and one that I’m pretty excited about.
Check out our Xbox One S unboxing and review:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-z9V43m5Pg]
Around the backside you’ll find an HDMI input and output, two USB ports (including an additional port around the front), an IR output, optical audio output, and an Ethernet port. Unfortunately, the Kinect port has been removed, but Microsoft will sell you an adapter to use it if you need one. Another change around the front is the fact that the power button is no longer capacitive, but an actual button now, which isn’t a big deal.
The controller in the box is nothing extremely special. There’s some added texture on the back for grip, but I’m a big fan of the sleek white color here, though it may get dirty over time.
In terms of performance and functionality, the Xbox One S now outputs 4K video, which is a huge improvement to keep things relevant. And it’s arguably a hair faster than its predecessor, but likely nothing you’ll notice in real-world performance. There’s also HDR or High Dynamic Range video and gaming capabilities included here, which will provide super rich and luminous colors, taking the depth of games and movies to another level.
I’m a huge fan of the design here though, it’s just super sleek and with the new texture and “Robot White” color, this is an absolute win all around. But should you upgrade? Well, it depends on if you need 4K video and a smaller footprint on your TV stand. Other than that, the rest is completely subjective. I picked up the limited 2TB model for $399, but there will be a 1TB model for $349, and even a 500GB Xbox One S for $299.
Do you think the Xbox One S is worth the upgrade or are you Team PS4 all the way? Drop us a comment below!
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