When Microsoft announced the Xbox One S, or more specifically when it was leaked, I wasn’t sure what to think. Here we already have the Xbox One and it plays all our games just fine. But then the new Xbox One S has the ability to play HDR10 content and has a slightly overclocked GPU. Sure that last bit isn’t going to make any real difference when it comes to playing games, but it’s worth mentioning.
Ever since then I had said to myself that I wasn’t going to think about upgrading to it, for several reasons; I don’t have a 4K TV or monitor and that the main draw was the size of the unit. I was pretty much in that mindset for a while, that is until Microsoft came back around and stated that not only was the new console coming in at $399, but it was a limited 2TB run. That last bit hit the video game collector in me, though what peaked me was the 2TB drive. Sure you can get external drives for the Xbox One, but my luck with those has been spotty at best. Here I sat with my 1TB Xbox One, with the drive damn near maxed out and that 2TB was looking nice. Still, that wasn’t enough to sway me.
However, I had mentioned to my wife (The Master) that I was thinking about getting a 4K set around Christmas this year and surprisingly enough she was onboard with this. Now, I’m not talking about a small TV either. If I’m going onboard with a UHD set, I’m going large. I’m talking 60+ inches, which again she said if you can afford it by then, I could do it. That last bit set the wheels turning in my head. I could get the Xbox One S, get a UHD player, new warranty, and a smaller footprint
Thus I started planning on picking up the Xbox One S. I knew I could get some trade-in for my current system, which brought the cost down to $200, which wasn’t a bad trade-off. Especially since the original Xbox One consoles are now selling for $250 new, less than $220 used, it was win/win for me. Not going to lie, I was taking for a ride but it wasn’t an ugly one. Trading in game consoles is something I never like to do and rather hold on to them or give them those who can’t afford them. I’m nice like that.
The only issue with this plan was that I waited too long and since the 2TB Xbox One S was a limited run, I had to call around quite a bit to get one. I was lucky enough to find a Gamestop close to me, there’s only 8 in a 20-mile radius, that had one in stock. Apparently, someone called and asked them to hold it, for 2 weeks! The manager was pretty receptive to selling it, especially since they could have the sale then and there. So, if you’re the person who put that Xbox on hold for 2 weeks and live in Delaware, well…. sorry. I traded in my old Xbox One, get the new Xbox One S and went on my way. I did hold onto my Xbox One Elite controller. I don’t know what person who would trade in both the Xbox One and the Elite controller for just $150. Had Gamestop offered anywhere from $200 – $220, that would have been a good move. But just $150? Really?
As of now, I have it connected to a panel in my office, where I’m putting all my games and apps back on it. I won’t have my 4K panel for a few months, so it will travel between my office and my gaming room, fairly often. Though I’m glad I finally plugged the trigger, for several reasons.; Future-proofing, that smaller footprint, it looks sexy as all heck and my Xbox One exclusives. Don’t even get me started about Xbox Play Anywhere, as Microsoft has really pissed me off with that program. I’m also not a huge fan of the Microsoft UWP, way too restricted as it is now.
So far I’m pleased with the revised console. I’ve been playing mainly Forza Horizon 2, Dark Souls 3, Gears of War: Ultimate and a few other titles on the system. I can’t say that I’ve noticed a huge difference in framerate in any game I’ve played, especially with Dark Souls. The performance is just as how I remembered it on the OG Xbox One. Wasn’t really expecting it, regardless of how many reports that have claimed that there was a marginal boost in frame rate. However, I’ve been watching more media using services such as Plex and Netflix. Maybe it’s the system update or maybe it’s in my head, but I definitely feel that the Xbox One S is a bit more responsive compared to the original Xbox One. I am a tad disappointed with the upgraded Bluetooth controller. Feedback was that the back was texturized, which took as being a rubberized textured grip. That isn’t the case and it’s more so just a slight texture on the grips, nothing more. It’s definitely an improved over the original Xbox One controller, but after playing with the Elite controller for so long, I’ve gotten spoiled. There’s always 3rd party / aftermarket grips, but then I’ll mess up my sexy white controller. Maybe I’ll get some for my
However, I’ve been watching more media using services such as Plex and Netflix. Maybe it’s the system update or maybe it’s in my head, but I definitely feel that the Xbox One S is a bit more responsive compared to the original Xbox One. I am a tad disappointed with the upgraded Bluetooth controller. Feedback was that the back was texturized, which took as being a rubberized textured grip. That isn’t the case and it’s more so just a slight texture on the grips, nothing more. It’s definitely an improved over the original Xbox One controller, but after playing with the Elite controller for so long, I’ve gotten spoiled. There’s always 3rd party / aftermarket grips, but then I’ll mess up my sexy white controller. Maybe I’ll get some for my Xbox Design Labs controller IF IT EVER GETS HERE!
As for the noise, I can’t say that it’s as quite as everyone else says it is. It’s quiet, but when you’re downloading to it you can hear the drive. Though I never had any complaints about the noise of my Xbox One, not the fans anyway. Now, when it played discs, that’s a completely different story. Obviously, I can’t say anything about the 4K content, since I don’t have the 4K TV just yet. Though I’m thinking about renting one, just to do some testing. In fact, I think I will do that this upcoming weekend. The unit is well constructed, I’m amazed they were finally able to do without the power brick. I won’t how many people complained about that originally. Love the fact that It does stand vertically, thanks to the included stand. Side note, if you’re looking at the 1TB or 500GB Xbox One S, it does not include the vertical stand, but you can purchase them. I’ve seen conflicting reports that state otherwise.
In the end, however, my original opinion still holds. The Xbox One S doesn’t do anything that the original Xbox One didn’t, for gaming that is. If you’re looking to upgrade to a 4K TV / Monitor, then it is going to depend on when you’re getting that. While the 2TB units are going or are sitting on Ebay now, the 1TB and 500GB Xbox One S’s will be released on August 23, 2016, and will sell for less. Even then they aren’t worth it unless you don’t already own an Xbox One or don’t have a 4K TV. Ultimately the decision is yours, just be sure to weigh in all your options before jumping feet first.
Ok, you made it to the end of the article and if you read it, congrats. If you came here for there TLDR version, here you go;
I traded in my original Xbox One, got the Xbox One S, I’m enjoying it, can’t wait for my 4K TV, I think it was worth it. I don’t care too much for the controller.
