The week before E3, the biggest video game event of the year, is supposed to be quiet. All of the major gaming companies are supposed to be keeping their cards close to the chest. Apparently Microsoft didn’t learn that lesson, as they made several announcements this week. Chief amongst those announcements is new hardware on the way.
First up, Microsoft is launching a new Xbox One console. The new version’s biggest upgrade is in the hard drive. When the console launched in November 2013 it came packed with a 500 GB drive. This new version doubles the storage to 1 TB. The new Xbox One will also look a little different. Instead of having a glossy black plastic case the new model will be wrapped in matte black. The extra storage doesn’t come for free though. The 1 TB model will be sold for $399. Microsoft is keeping the 500 GB model around, and it’s now permanently priced at $349. The new 1 TB model will be available in the US starting June 16.
The new Xbox One also comes bundled with a new controller. The most noticeable improvement is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headset jack on the bottom of the controller. This will allow gamers to plug in almost any headset directly to the controller without using a stereo headset adapter. While this new port will certainly make plugging your headset in a little easier, it will also mean relying on the Settings app to control game and chat volumes, the balance between the two audio sources, and microphone monitoring. Frankly, we’d rather stick with the headset adapter that provides all those, plus a mute button, easily within reach of our thumbs.
The new controller also improves the consistency of the bumpers, and you’ll also receive all future firmware updates to the controller wirelessly. No longer will you be looking for a USB cable to update your controller’s firmware. This new controller will also be available separately for the standard $59.99. Microsoft is also releasing a Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller. It’s clad in black and grey camouflage, and will set you back $64.99.
Last, but certainly not least, Microsoft announced a new wireless adapter that will allow Windows 10 users to pair an Xbox One controller with their PC wirelessly. The Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows will be available this fall for an MSRP of $24.99. It will also be available bundled with a controller for $79.95.
With most of the expected hardware announcements out of the way, we can expect Microsoft’s E3 announcement to be focused largely on games and other software enhancements.
Source: Major Nelson
[…] level adjustments. This will really come in handy for anyone plugging a headset straight into the new controller. Microsoft is also bringing the full power of Cortana to the Xbox One. You’ll be able to […]