Microsoft unveils TWO new games consoles at E3 festival
Tech firm reveals details of the 'slim' Xbox One S and drops some tantalising hints about the Xbox One Project Scorpio
Microsoft revealed details of a pair of new consoles at the E3 gaming festival last night.
The tech giant announced the arrival of a slimmer, sleaker and cheaper .
But Microsoft also electrified the gaming world when it said engineers were working on "the most powerful console ever created" - the Xbox One Project Scorpio.
This incredible-sounding machine will offer virtual reality and super high resolution 4K gaming, potentially revolutionising the industry.
In a surprising move, Microsoft announced that most games will be compatible with both machines - as well as desktop computers running Windows 10.
Normally, one console is made totally redundant by the next model.
But it looks as if the tech firm has decided to try and overturn this tried and tested business model.
“Gamers have never had more choice in how and where they play,” said Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.
“We are bringing our biggest games lineup ever to Xbox One and Windows 10, uniting gamers across networks on Xbox Live and expanding the Xbox One family of devices with the addition of Xbox One S and Project Scorpio to give gamers more choice in how and where they play. "There’s never been a better time to be an Xbox gamer.”
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The Xbox One S will cost $299 (£210) and offers offers High Dynamic Range (HDR) support so gamers "can experience richer, more luminous colors in games".
Basically, it's much the same as the Xbox One, but comes in Apple-style white.
It will go on sale in August.
"Debuting a sleek new design and robot white color, the new Xbox One S is the smallest and most compact Xbox ever," Microsoft wrote.
Gamers will have to wait a little longer for the Xbox Scorpio, which is expected to be released just before Christmas in 2017.
It will features 6 teraflop graphical processing unit (translation: it's very powerful) to "deliver a premier console gaming experience including true 4K gaming and high fidelity virtual reality".
This high-end device will "coexist" along with all the other Microsoft gadgets.
The tech firm also unveiled a new Xbox wireless controller, which will cost £49.99 and comes with bluetooth connectivity.
This controller will be fitted with a tough joystick with a new design which" significantly reduces wear to help maintain accuracy and smooth rotation over the life of the controller, so you never miss a beat".