[E3 2016] Xbox One S is the new slim Xbox One, coming August

To kick off its E3 2016 news, Microsoft has officially taken the wraps off of the rumored XBox One S. The S, much like the Xbox 360 Slim, is a mid-cycle enhancement for the console, coming just a little over 2.5 years after the Xbox One was released to market.

The new console will come with some major internal and external improvements. The design is now 40% smaller; it gets rid of the glossy plastic and replaces it with a matte white (main case) & black (lower accent) combination, with perforation on the right side of the device case. This will help with the cooling of the console, as the normally external power supply is now backed into the device, a la the Playstation 4 & Wii U. The IR Blaster is now built-in for use with TV and audio remotes, so that users can control other devices through their Xbox One. A front-facing USB port will further extend compatibility, and with the Kinect port being dropped (RIP) the console can be overall more efficient. Don’t worry: if you still want to play Dance Central, you can buy an adapter for Kinect.

The console will also allow for 4K Ultra HD video (not gaming, just video for streaming services and UHD BluRays), HDR (High Dynamic Range) video for gaming, and will come with either a 500 GB hard drive ($299), 1TB ($349) and 2TB ($399).

The Xbox One S will also debut a modified controller. The company has textured the palm grips, similar to what the Playstation 4’s Dual Shock 4 incorporates, for improved grabby-grabby-holdy-holdy. The controller also now doubles the wireless range and includes Bluetooth for easy pairing to PCs, tablets, and perhaps even other gaming devices.

We’ll have a closer look at the Xbox One S this week here at E3. The console launches in August.