E3 2016: Microsoft Launches Xbox One S, Project Scorpio And More Stuff

E3 2016: Microsoft launches Xbox One S, Project Scorpio, And More

Yesterday Microsoft shocked the gaming world at E3 with not one, but the declaration of two new Xbox One variants. These variants are the Xbox One S and Xbox Scorpio. The first is likely to be either on the shelves in August, but the latter won’t be here until late next year, probably in time for the Christmas holidays.

Today at E3 in Los Angeles Microsoft formally revealed the long-rumored Project Scorpio, an improved version of the Xbox One that’s capable of running 4K-native games, and which will also support virtual reality experiences and feature a hefty six teraflops of power. According to Xbox chief Phil Spencer, Microsoft views the new device as much more than a simple refresh.

“The important thing for Scorpio is that it’s a dramatic step up for us in terms of hardware capability,” he told The Verge in an interview last week. “Because as we saw 4K gaming and really high-end VR taking off in the PC space, we wanted to be able to bring that to a console. Project Scorpio is actually a Xbox One that can natively run games in 4K and is built with the hardware capabilities to support the high-end VR that you see happening in the PC space today… when it ships it will be the most powerful console ever built.”

The Xbox One S relieve is up for pre-orders and will start hitting the shelves in August this year. While the 500GB variant prices $299, the Limited edition 2TB and the 1TB version are priced at $349 and $399 respectively. The Limited edition 2TB Xbox One S will be offered only in select markets.

“We are proud that Microsoft has chosen to expand their Xbox One family of devices with two new consoles featuring AMD’s high-performance semi-custom SoCs that support revolutionary new technologies like HDR, 4K, and high-fidelity VR to enable the next generation of immersive gaming experiences,” an AMD spokeswoman said in an email.

The Xbox One S features a slim design and comes in ‘Robot White’ color. Microsoft also declares that it is the company’s smallest Xbox ever. The console is 40% smaller than the Xbox One and can support 4K Ultra HD for Blu-ray movies and content streamed from Amazon and Netflix Video. It also comes with support for HDR video and gaming.

With the official disclose though comes official details. As expected, the new model will be 40 percent smaller, but Microsoft has shown that this reduction has been achieved in addition to integrating the hefty power supply into the console itself. The Xbox One S is now small enough to be used flat or stood vertically on its side.

The Xbox One S will support both streaming video and Blu-ray discs in ultra high definition. Microsoft confirms, “You’ll now be able to watch Blu-ray movies and stream video in stunning 4K Ultra HD video, with content from partners like Netflix and Amazon Video.”

The ‘Project Scorpio’ will join Xbox One and the Xbox One S and will be compatible with all the other games and accessories.

One more thing to mention from E3 2016 is that that Microsoft declared plans to bring Xbox Live to all devices – and networks –console, PC, virtual reality and mobile.

“The new Xbox Play Anywhere program lets gamers buy a game once and play it on both their Windows 10 PC and Xbox One console with shared progress, game saves, and achievements. Every new Microsoft Studios title shown at the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing will support Xbox Play Anywhere, with more titles on the way,” said Microsoft.