In addition to all the incredible games that Microsoft announced at their E3 press conference, the company also revealed many exciting hardware and peripheral updates for Xbox fans. These include an all-new redesign Xbox One S, a powerful new device called Project Scorpio, and some amazing new wireless controllers you’ll want to check out. Let’s take a look!
Xbox One S
Microsoft kicked off their E3 press conference in a huge way, or perhaps I should say “small” way, with the introduction of the sleeker, smaller Xbox One S console. This gorgeous new Xbox One model is 40 percent smaller, has an internal power supply, and supports 4K Ultra HD for Blu-ray movies and content streamed over services like Netflix. This is amazing news for those who already have a 4K TV, or are planning on picking one up, and this also makes Xbox One S the very first game console to support 4K output. As someone who owns the original Xbox One, I can’t stress enough how important the smaller form factor, and integrated power supply, of the new console is. Of all three current gen game consoles–Xbox One, PS4, and Wii U–the original Xbox One model was the largest of the three, and uses a huge power brick. With Xbox One S you’ll have so much extra room on your entertainment unit, and won’t have to worry about a large power unit cluttering your floor.
The new Xbox One S will come in a “robot white” colour, unlike the original model that came in a jet black. Xbox One S will also support High Dynamic Range (HDR) to make game colours more vibrant and luminous, and will enhance the upcoming Gears of War 4. Details on pre-ordering will be available soon.
Project Scorpio
Another console Microsoft announced is Project Scorpio, which Xbox head Phil Spencer said will be “the most powerful console ever created.” Coming holiday 2017, Project Scorpio is the newest member of the Xbox One family of devices and will deliver 6 teraflops of GPU power for true 4K gaming and high-fidelity virtual reality. Spencer later said that this new, powerful model of Xbox One would “coexist” alongside Xbox One and Xbox One S, and that all your games and accessories would work on the new hardware. A montage video from game developers who shown, indicating widespread support already for Project Scorpio. Hopefully we’ll get more details before the year is through.
New Xbox Wireless Controller
In tandem with the unveiling of Xbox One S was a brand new Xbox Wireless Controller featuring a textured grip for enhanced comfort and performance, and a fresh new white design. The new controller also has Bluetooth functionality built-in and will allow you to easily pair the unit with your Windows 10 PCs and tablets like Microsoft Surface. This new controller will be available worldwide later this summer.
Gears of War 4 Limited Edition Xbox Elite Wireless Controller
Another awesome accessory unveiled at the press conference is a special limited edition Gears of War 4 Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. This pro-level controller will give you all the features of the Xbox Elite Controller, along with a laser-etched claw mark and battle-weathered design, symbolizing the epic survival story against the new Swarm race. This new controller is expected to release this fall, alongside Gears of War 4.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft’s hardware and accessory announcements at E3? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out Best Buy’s coverage of E3 2016 for more great articles, links to preorder games and more
@PaulH
So…yes, yes, yes, and yes please.
My wishlist for the next 2 years is now complete.
Top on my list is the new Gears controller, looks AMAZING. I sense a Project Scorpio in my future as well.
I’ve already pre-ordered the controller from Microsoft directly (it’s steep, but I’ve been on the fence about the elite controller for a while now and this tipped me over). I like the idea that the Xbox family of devices will be supported fully going forward, so that when Scorpio is released, current Xbox One owners won’t be left behind.
Another really awesome showing for Microsoft this year – Gears 4 baby!
JB
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