Microsoft will announce new Xbox One at E3 2016 and is currently working on two different versions of the console, according to a report.
Brad Sams, a Microsoft podcaster and blogger, held a YouTube livestream in which he claimed Xbox will announce a significantly smaller Xbox One console during next month’s entertainment expo, and is also working on a more significant hardware upgrade set for release next year.
During the livestream, Sams said “”the Xbox mini is a real thing.”
No further details were discussed, but The Verge’s Tom Warren has reported (via GameSpot) that the “Xbox One Slim” will be as much as 40% smaller than the original console.
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Sams goes on to state his sources believe a more significant Xbox One upgrade is also in development, but isn’t due for release until 2017.
Kotaku has run a separate story supporting both of Sams’ claims. That report also states that the 2017 Xbox will be “theoretically capable” of offering Oculus Rift support, with Microsoft currently in talks with Oculus.
Related: PS4.5 – Everything we know
But Sams goes on to note that Microsoft is also working on Xbox streaming boxes, also set to be revealed next month, much like the Amazon Fire Stick. However, these devices won’t be designed to play AAA titles, but be more aligned with an Apple TV and play less-intensive games.
“They’re going to have two devices, it’s going to be one [for] super streamers – think a Roku-style device – and then another device that’s going to have more features,” Sams said.
“As far as the differentiation between these two devices, I’d imagine the smaller devices will be for streaming only … but the other device I honestly think is where they’re going to start using App leverage. I could see this device sitting in the cabinet and being able to play Windows Store games.”
These streaming devices could cost anywhere from $100-175, according to Sams.
Here’s a video of everything you need to know about the PS4.5/Ps4K/PSNeo
With Sony fully expected to announce a PS4.5 at E3, it’s no surprise Microsoft is working on its own upgrades to compete.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
