Microsoft recently confirmed the release date for the Launch Edition of the Xbox One S. The revision comes with plenty of improvements when compared to the original unit. So is the Xbox One S 2TB Console Launch Edition worth buying or are you better off with the other Xbox One consoles? Before you make your choice, let’s take a look at a few factors.
Pricing
The Xbox One S is somewhat unique when it comes to slimmed down consoles. Instead of being cheaper when compared to the original units, the Launch Edition will be priced higher. You can check out its price tag with this link on Amazon.
What’s Included in the Launch Edition Bundle
The Launch Edition Bundle for the revision comes with the new console, 2TB internal hard disk drive, console stand (which is used to stand the system up in a vertical position), 4K capable HDMI cable, AC Power cable as well as a 14-day Xbox Live Gold Trial.
Another notable item being included is the new Xbox One Wireless Controller, which adds native Bluetooth support (so that you can directly connect to Windows 10 devices), textured grip as well as doubling the wireless range. You can check out some images of the Xbox One S 2TB Console Launch Edition with our media gallery located just underneath this paragraph.
Xbox One S Comparison to Xbox One
One of the main complaints made against the original Xbox One model was that it was big and bulky. The Xbox One S solves this issue by being 40 percent smaller. Not to mention that the bulky external power supply of the original is no more as the S model uses an internal power unit.
Microsoft also decided to add 4K Support as users will be able to watch UHD Blu-ray as well as stream 4K videos with select apps. Of course, these features require a television that supports the 4K resolution.
Another notable addition is HDR functionality. In terms of specs, the Xbox One S is actually a little bit more powerful when compared to the original Xbox One. Microsoft is giving access to the extra processing power to developers who want to support HDR, which provides a wider range of colors. As a result, the games should end up looking better if you have a HDR capable television, especially in areas where there are either a lot of varying white or black colors.
While the Xbox One S does have a lot of advantages when compared to the original model, the two major ones (4K and HDR support) goes away if you don’t own a capable television set.
Xbox One S Compared to Project Scorpio
Microsoft made a curious move at E3 2016 by announcing two new consoles in the same press conference. In addition to the Xbox One S, the company is also planning to release a new, even more powerful system called Project Scorpio.
While Microsoft has announced very little about Project Scorpio so far, they did revealed that they are planning to make the new system the most powerful console at launch. It will also be in the same Xbox One ecosystem as it should play Xbox One games. Developers should be able to take advantage of the added horsepower by making visual improvements as well.
In addition to the having the aforementioned 4K and HDR additions, Project Scorpio will also support virtual reality although it is unknown if Microsoft will be creating their own VR headset or partnering with another company.
Microsoft is aiming to make Project Scorpio to be around 6 teraflops in terms of processing power. This should make the upcoming system around 4.5 times more powerful when compared to the original Xbox One as well as the Xbox One S.
Project Scorpio is expected to ship in the holiday season of 2017. If you don’t mind the long wait and/or the potentially higher price tag, then the Scorpio may be the better choice when compared to the slim version if you want the most powerful option.
Other Xbox One S Bundles
If you do decide to go with the Xbox One S, you have more options aside from the 2TB Console Launch Edition. At a later date, Microsoft will be releasing a 500 GB and 1 TB versions of the slim console. In addition to having smaller hard drives, both of the other bundles won’t come with a vertical stand. On the other hand, the two are also cheaper when compared to the 2TB Console Launch Edition. You can check out the prices with the following links: Xbox One S 500 GB Console and Xbox One S 1TB Console.
If you are a Fan of Gears of War and/or looking forward to Gears of War 4, you might want to get the Xbox One S 2TB Console Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Bundle instead. This set includes a Crimson Omen console along with a matching controller. Also included are a vertical stand, digital copy of Gears of War 4: Ultimate Edition, Vintage Limited Edition Console Pack, Season Pass, six Gear Packs, as well as other exclusive in-game items. Even if it is more expensive than the other bundles for the Xbox One slim, it does come with the most contents. You can check out what the GoW4 set looks like with the gallery located just below this paragraph.
If you are interested, you can preorder the Xbox One S 2TB Console Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Bundle, which is coming out on the 7th of October, here.
Recap
The Xbox One S is a good buy if you are looking for a slimmer version of Microsoft’s current-gen console that also supports HDR and 4K capable television sets. Although Project Scorpio is more powerful, it is also a long ways off and will most likely end up being more expensive. Not to mention that, unless a developer decides to release a patch, a lot of the pre-2017 Xbox One games should look the same on Xbox One S when compared to running on Scorpio.
If you decide to purchase a Xbox One S, you have multiple options. The aforementioned Xbox One S 2TB Console Launch Edition, the first one being made available, comes with a bigger hard drive and vertical stand when compared to the 500 GB and 1 TB bundles.
Depending on your situation, the Xbox One S 2TB Console Launch Edition may or may not provide a good value. If you want a big hard drive space and prefer your console to stand up vertically, then the Launch Edition should be a great purchase. If you are interested, you can preorder the bundle here.
Gears of War fans might also want to check out the Xbox One S 2TB Console Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Bundle as it comes with a special visual design as well as having more perceived value (since you will save by buying the game and console together in this bundle as opposed to making separate purchases). You can purchase the most expensive option for the Xbox One slim via this page.
If you don’t care about the vertical stand and/or hard drive space, we highly recommend getting the Xbox One S 500 GB bundle instead as it is the cheapest version of the slim console available. You can preorder the most affordable option with this link.
The Xbox One S 2TB Console Launch Edition will be released on the 2nd of August in the North American region.