«Previous post | Next post»

For a while now, many gamers have been curious on just why they should trade in their old Xbox One for a new Xbox One S (or if you haven’t upgraded systems yet why they should wait). Well, there’s a fantastic answer to that one, and you’ll never guess the reasons why. For starters the new Xbox One S will be an overhauled, slimmer and much-improved version of the Xbox One. You’ll have all the great features and support of the current system, but the added benefit of knowing it will save you space, time and a lot of money. Let’s take a deeper look at what will make the Xbox One S better for you and your wallet.

Xbox One S is 40% smaller than Xbox One

Xbox One S is both smaller and lighter than the original Xbox One.

Right out of the gate the Xbox One S will save you room for other consoles and games in your shelving space. There’s more to it than just that, Microsoft showed that an entire Xbox One S could fit inside of an original Xbox One. Don’t believe it? Well, you don´t have to take my word for it, just check out the comparison picture above this text.

The power supply is now built into the system, and that’s a huge relief, as with Microsoft’s consoles they always came with a power brick—which was a serious pain to deal with. The Xbox One S will support 4K Ultra HD, 4K Blu-ray and will have High Dyamic Range support. This is one of the most important features that the system could debut with. You’ll be able to stream your favorite shows from Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix in 4K, but it will have the same technology for Blu-ray discs built directly into the console itself. You can also stand it on its side, as it comes with a bundled vertical stand attachment.

Improved HDMI ports

4K resolution + An output of 60Hz = True.

Having increased HD support is great, but what about HDMI? Well for that Microsoft has risen to the challenge. On the old Xbox One, you were limited to an HDMI 1.4a port, which means it can only output 4K at 30Hz—which is trash for playing games, and even more troublesome for video streaming. The Xbox One S has added support for HDMI 2.0a, so now you can stream videos and games at proper 4K resolution, at an output of 60Hz.

And if I’m losing you on all this talk about resolution don’t worry, because higher numbers is always better and faster (at least in most cases). So let’s just leave it at that. And with the newer TV’s coming out, you want more output in HDMI, and a higher output on the Hz’s. That makes your game display in the highest resolution possible—which is what your TV was made and bought for right? Of course it is.

Kinect support/ Infared Blaster

You can configure your Xbox One S to turn on other devices, like your TV, audio/video receiver, and cable/satellite receiver.

Currently, there is no Kinect support for the Xbox One S, this is most likely due to it’s declined sales, and lack of productivity with its game line. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic, and want to play with the Kinect on the Xbox One S. You still have the option to buy an adapter that will allow you to connect via USB.

In place of the Kinect, Microsoft added an IR Blaster to the Xbox One S, so you can configure the system to turn on other devices like your TV or your audio/video receiver. The idea behind this is that with the Xbox One S, you want to reduce the amount of remotes you’ll need or use to perform daily tasks.

Improved Controller with Bluetooth support

The Xbox One S controller is said to offer an improved controller experience.

There’s a new textured grip for the controller (no more sweaty palms), and you can connect to PC without a dongle for USB! The controller supports Bluetooth, as well as Wifi Direct so you can use it on your PC, Android device, Tablet or anything that supports the technology. Well, that sure makes you want to use it on your car stereo doesn’t it? Yeah….I thought so. As far as cross compatibility goes, the controller for the Xbox One S will work with the original Xbox One system as well.

Should you upgrade to the Xbox One S?

You can pre-order the 2TB Xbox One S console for 399 USD.

This is with no doubt THE biggest question that one could ask him or herself at this point, especially looking at the price points for Xbox One S systems when they drop.

– Xbox One S 500GB $299 (won’t be in US until later this year, probably holidays)
– Xbox One S 1TB $349
– Xbox One S 2TB $399

Now if you’re still on the fence, the existing price of the Xbox One has been cut to a low $279.99. This ensures you that:
– The price isn’t going back up, it will continue to drop
– Microsoft wants you to upgrade to the Xbox One S

The reality is, smaller, and faster are always better when it comes to gaming. Although both Sony and Microsoft are setting precedence by offering new consoles just two years after debuting their newest iterations show us that the demand for better, and smarter technology is worth the wait.

As a consumer and fan of said consoles, it’s our duty to understand that at this point, it’s about more than saving money. The developers actually are giving us a product that is on par with our current home, and on the go needs so we can connect with each other on a whole new level. So I encourage the upgrade, if for nothing more than to enjoy a brand-new system for the first time, or reap the benefits of adding a better resolution to your home entertainment.

Credit:
Robin Ek – Editor and co-writer