Microsoft announces release date for Xbox One S – but only the most expensive version

THE NEXT mini- generation of gaming consoles is officially on its way to our living rooms. Microsoft announced a launch date Monday for one of its Xbox One S models.

The console, which packs a whopping 2TB of storage, will be available in stores starting Aug 2 for US$ 400 ( RM1,560).

The US$ 400 console is the most expensive of the three Xbox One S models that Microsoft unveiled last month.

Deciding to announce the release of the most expensive model first is a little puzzling, particularly when press coverage of its US$ 300 model was so extensive.

But perhaps demand for the US$ 400 model was high enough – since it packs a lot of storage – that Microsoft wanted to release it first. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Xbox One S is the midgeneration upgrade of the nearly three-year- old Xbox One.It’s 40 per cent smaller, 4K- capable and has a comparatively cheaper launch price than the Xbox One’s launch price. It’s also white, instead of black.

When Microsoft first revealed the Xbox One S, it framed the decision to launch a refreshed console as a way to offer consumers more feature and pricing choices. “Different people have different things that may appeal to them,” said Dave McCarthy, general manager of Xbox Services, in a June interview with The Post.

When it comes to the Xbox One S, those who’ve already bought a US$ 500 Xbox One at launch probably won’t want to buy another console just yet.

So the refreshed console should be the most appealing to those who still have an Xbox 360, and may not mind being a bit behind the times when Microsoft launches its next major update. — WP-Bloomberg