Xbox One Upgrade To 1TB Confirmed, Controller Changes Detailed
That accidental leak of a 1TB Xbox One is true. Microsoft announced an upgraded edition of the console, while the controller is getting some welcome tweaks, as well, beyond the addition of a 3.5mm headset jack.
The new 1TB Xbox One console was announced ahead of the planned E3 press conference on Monday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT. The new console will be available on June 16 at retailers for $399 with Halo: The Master Chief Collection packed in. Meanwhile, the existing 500GB Xbox One will keep the $349 price permanently.
Announcing the Xbox One 1TB console, newly designed Xbox One Wireless controller and more http://t.co/CLps6RY2VD pic.twitter.com/O5A4dBYwZA
— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) June 9, 2015
The expanded hard drive space is a welcome addition to the console, as existing users are already aware that the mandatory installation of games quickly fills the 500GB hard drive today. While there is no way to replace the hard drive, space can be expanded through the use of an external USB 3.0 hard drive. The remaining changes to the console itself are solely aesthetic. It now features a matte black look versus the glossy black it has had since launch.
The biggest enhancements for the Xbox One actually come to the controller, which will be included in the new console bundle and sold separately. Microsoft has added a 3.5mm stereo headset jack while retaining the existing proprietary headset adapter plug so that owners can use either kind of headset. The volume, mic monitoring, and audio balance for the headset can all be controlled from the settings menu on the console.
A look at the Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller we announced today http://t.co/bZMrN5TiJk pic.twitter.com/I820itsiDu — Larry Hryb (@majornelson) June 9, 2015
The updated controller also features improved bumpers to provide “more consistent performance anywhere along the full surface.” A common complaint among Xbox One owners is that the insides of the bumpers did not behave the same as the outside. Additionally, the controller can now receive firmware updates wirelessly instead of having to plug the controller into the console via a USB cable.
The new Xbox One console and controller are already available to pre-order via Amazon. The controller is available in black and black/silver camouflage options.
Don’t expect any additional permanent price cuts for the Xbox One for the rest of 2015. Microsoft is likely to follow the same model it used during the last holiday shopping season, with a focus on console bundles and a “temporary” price cut on both the 500GB and 1TB versions of the console.
[Images via Xbox Wire]
