Microsoft will be releasing a slimmer version of the Xbox One later this year. If you are planning to purchase the Xbox One S, there are a few other accessories we recommend buying so that you can get the most out of the new hardware, especially if haven’t owned the original model. You can find our buying guide for the best Xbox One S add-on accessories below.
About the Xbox One S
First off, let’s talk a little bit about the Xbox One S. The new revision is around 40 percent smaller when compared to the original model. The power unit is also now internal as opposed as being a part of the bulky external power cord.
In addition to the more compact size, Microsoft also added some new features. One of which is 4K video support as users will be able to play 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays along with being able to stream from supported services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
The Xbox One S also has a little bit more powerful when compared to the Xbox One. Developers can take advantage of this extra horsepower by adding support for High Dynamic Range, which adds a wider range of colors, to their games. Among the titles announced for support so far include Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3 and Scalebound. With that said, gamers won’t be able to see any differences unless they have a television set capable of HDR.
If you are planning on buying the Xbox One slim, you should also check out the add-on accessories below.
Xbox One Wireless Controller
The Xbox One S comes equipped with the third-generation of the Xbox One Wireless Controller. The new gamepad natively supports 3.5mm stereo headsets as well as Bluetooth connection. Microsoft also added textured grip in addition to doubling the wireless range of the accessory.
In addition to the Xbox One S, the new Xbox One Wireless Controller is also compatible with the original Xbox One as well as Windows 10 PC. If you are in need of additional gamepads, especially if you are planning to play a lot of local couch multiplayer games, you can purchase more of the new controllers with this link on Amazon.
Xbox One Play and Charge Kit
Despite some improvements, the new Xbox One Wireless Controller that comes with the Xbox One S still requires AA batteries. In order to save money in the long run, we highly recommend getting a rechargeable battery pack. The official Xbox One Play and Charge Kit comes with a lithium ion battery pack that will be fully charged in less than four hours. It can also be used with the older Xbox One pads as well as the Xbox One Elite Controller.
You can purchase the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit by using this page.
Kingston HyperX Wired CloudX Pro Gaming Headset
If you don’t have the right audio system set up with your Xbox One S, then you are missing out on a lot of the immersive experiences, especially when it comes to AAA games.
Microsoft recently teamed up with Kingston for the officially licensed HyperX Wired CloudX Pro Gaming Headset. The product is equipped with 53mm drivers as well as having over-the-ear, closed ear cups to provide crystal clear sound with no outside interference. Also included is a detachable microphone for chatting online.
The Kingston HyperX Wired CloudX Pro Gaming Headset is available for purchase with this link.
Xbox Game Drive
Depending on which bundle you decided to purchase, the Xbox One S comes with either a 500 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB hard disk drive. The console requires installation for all games, even those that come in a physical disc. Not to mention that the HDD can quickly fill up with patch updates and DLC expansions as well.
Microsoft partnered with Seagate to provide several external hard drives for gamers looking to add more space to the original Xbox One and the upcoming slim revision. You can order the two size options of the Xbox Game Drive with the following links: 2 TB version and 4 TB version.
Xbox One S Vertical Stand
The 2 TB version of the Xbox One S, which is currently available via the Launch Edition and Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Bundle, comes with a vertical stand. On the other hand, the two cheaper options, the 500 GB and 1 TB bundles, do not.
So, if you would like to securely stand your new slim console up vertically and don’t own either of the 2 TB system bundles, you should buy in the Xbox One S Vertical Stand. You can do so by using this page.
Xbox One Media Remote
Gamers looking to use their Xbox One S as more than just a videogame console may also want to invest in the Xbox One Media Remote. This accessory provides an easy way for you, and even a non-gaming loved one, to control Blu-ray and/or streaming video playback. The remote has a wireless range of up to 30 feet.
Buy the Xbox One Media Remote here.
Xbox Live Gold
Of course, you will also need to be a member of the Xbox Live Gold service in order to take full advantage of the system’s capabilities. This is especially true if you want to play online multiplayer on your new console. Not to mention that you will also get exclusive discounts as well as free monthly games as well.
If you aren’t already a member, you can order the Microsoft Xbox Live 12 Month Gold Membership via this link.
Xbox One S Kinect Adapter
Last but not least, the slimmer Xbox One does not natively support the Kinect camera. If you would like to make the motion camera compatible, a separate adapter is needed. Fortunately, Microsoft will be making the adapter available for free. More details about how customers can receive a free Xbox One S Kinect Adapter will be announced in the future. If you don’t feel like waiting, you can purchase the Xbox One S accessory with this page.
The Xbox One S will be made available starting on the 2nd of August. So, if you are getting the new hardware revision, make you to check out the add-on accessories we mentioned above.
