Xbox One S preview: Thinner, better PS4 beater

Although Microsoft launched a console even more powerful for next year, the Xbox One S announcement during its E3 2016 media briefing must still be lauded as one of the more significant moves of the show.

The slimmer, trimmer machine puts Microsoft in a strong position coming up to Christmas this year. It is out in August, has 4K HDR video output capabilities, HDR gaming talents and costs just $299 for the entry level model. If you haven’t jumped on board with this generation of gaming yet, now’s the ideal time.

Microsoft will be spec’ing the console with 500GB, 1TB or, for the first time, a 2TB drive. It has also ditched the enormous power brick of the original – a feat unto itself considering how tiny the new console’s cabinet.

READ: Xbox E3 2016 highlights: What was launched, Project Scorpio, Xbox One S and much more

We got to see and play on the new machine, with HDR gaming on Gears 4 and Forza Horizon 3 playable at an Xbox Showcase prior to E3 starting proper, and are already very impressed.

For a start, at 40 per cent smaller than the standard Xbox One, it suits a living room better, and can be stood vertically like other machines in the manufacturer’s back catalogue. It also looks less like a Betamax player from the 80s than before.

Pocket-lint

And because it is white, it looks even more svelte. As does the new controller, which also comes with better range and textured grips.

We need to properly test it in the coming weeks before launch, but all is looking good at this stage.

First Impressions

There’s no doubt in our minds that the Xbox One S will be a highly desirable console come Christmas, even putting the current PS4 to shame with its 4K HDR video capabilities and HDR gaming.

However, it is strange that Xbox decided to also unveil Project Scorpio at the same event, which could put people off a purchase of the Xbox One S in preference to holding on for another year. We do though believe that Scorpio will be far more expensive and, in absence of a full review at this stage, the Xbox One S looks to be the best current gen console you can buy this year.