The Xbox One x release date marked a major milestone in Microsoft’s gaming lineup. First unveiled at E3 2016, the slimmed-down Xbox One S debuted in summer 2016. This article provides an in-depth look at the Xbox One S launch timeline, key features, and specifications. We explore the initial Xbox One S debut, global launch dates, subsequent All-Digital Edition release, and how it compared to other consoles. Whether you’re researching Xbox One S release date or curious about the console’s specs and features, this comprehensive guide covers all you need to know.
Announcement and Debut of Xbox One S:
Microsoft officially unveiled the Xbox One S during its E3 2016 press conference on June 13, 2016. The company presented the xbox one x release date as the first revision of the Xbox One family a new “slim” model with significant upgrades. During the reveal, Microsoft emphasized the Xbox One S debut featured a 40% smaller chassis than the original Xbox One. Key highlights at the debut included:
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New Design & Integration: The Xbox One S adopted a robot-white finish and integrated power supply, eliminating the external power brick of its predecessor.
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4K and HDR Support: It became the first console capable of streaming video and playing Blu-ray in 4K Ultra HD, with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for sharper graphics.
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Controller Upgrades: Bundled with the console was an updated Xbox Wireless Controller featuring a textured grip, improved wireless range, and added Bluetooth connectivity.
These features made the Xbox One S debut at E3 2016 one of the year’s most talked-about announcements. By announcing it months before the launch, Microsoft built anticipation around the Xbox One S release date and its new features and specs.
Xbox One S Release Date and Launch Details:
After the June announcement, Microsoft confirmed the Xbox One S release date as August 2, 2016. On that day, the 2TB xbox one x release dateEdition began hitting store shelves in select markets. Key launch details include:
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Initial Release (August 2, 2016): The first release of Xbox One S occurred on August 2, 2016. This coincided with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, underscoring Microsoft’s push for 4K content across platforms.
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Regions: The August launch included the United States, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, and several other markets. Xbox One S consoles rolled out in “select regions” on Aug 2, with additional markets to follow later in 2016.
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Pre-orders: All Xbox One S pre-orders were set to arrive on launch day. Microsoft continued to accept pre-orders through its store and retailers up until release.
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Pricing and Editions: The limited 2TB Launch Edition was priced at $399 USD. Microsoft also announced two other launch models: a 1TB model at $349 and a 500GB model at $299, arriving shortly after the initial release.
Release Timeline 2016:
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June 2016: Xbox One S announced at E3 2016, debuting new design and capabilities.
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July 2016: Official announcement of release date by Xbox Wire.
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Aug 2, 2016: Global launch day for the xbox one x release date launch edition.
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Late 2016: 1TB and 500GB models became available in stores. Additional worldwide rollouts continued through the year.
These dates solidified the Xbox One S first launch timeline. By late 2016, gamers in most major markets could buy the new xbox one x release date, making it a full-fledged part of Microsoft’s console lineup.
Xbox One S Features and Specifications:
The Xbox One S introduced several features and specs that distinguished it from the original Xbox One. This section highlights the key design and hardware improvements:
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Compact Design: 40% smaller than the original Xbox One, allowing for vertical or horizontal placement. This slim form factor made it more convenient for TV cabinets.
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Built-in Power Supply: Integrated the AC power supply into the console’s body, reducing cable clutter.
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4K Ultra HD Blu-ray: First Xbox console to include a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc drive enabling native 4K video playback from physical media.
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HDR Gaming: High Dynamic Range support for both video and games. Games like Gears of War 4 and Forza Horizon 3 could render with richer contrast on compatible TVs.
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Updated Controller: New wireless controller with textured grips, Bluetooth support for PC connections), and an improved wireless signal. This controller could also be purchased separately for $59.99.
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Port Changes: One USB 3.0 port and the controller sync button were moved to the front for easier access. An IR blaster was also added for universal remote support.
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Storage Options: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB hard drive variants. The 2TB model was initially limited, while the smaller drives became widely available.
The Xbox One S specs in detail (for example): an 8-core custom AMD APU at 1.75 GHz, 8GB DDR3 RAM, and a custom Radeon GPU with 1.23 teraflops of power. These internals provided a modest performance boost for 4K upscaling and HDR output, though the GPU was largely similar to the original Xbox One. Notably, Microsoft emphasized that the main performance uplift was for enabling new features, rather than drastically higher frame rates.
Overall, the Xbox One S combined affordable pricing with the latest gaming features. By offering 4K media support and HDR, it positioned itself as a modern hub for both games and home entertainment.
Xbox One S All Digital Edition Release:
In 2019, Microsoft expanded the Xbox One S lineup with a disc-less version. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition was officially announced in April 2019 and released on May 7, 2019. Key points about this release:
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Release Date: May 7, 2019 was the global launch for the All-Digital Edition.
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Price: Introduced at $249 USD, making it $50 cheaper than the standard 500GB Xbox One S at the time.
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Design: Looked nearly identical to the regular Xbox One S but excluded the disc drive and eject button. It was available only in white.
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Storage: Came with a 1TB hard drive (larger than the baseline Xbox One S), acknowledging reliance on digital downloads.
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Bundles: Microsoft bundled the console with download codes for 3 games Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, and one of Forza Horizon 3 or Fortnite depending on region to sweeten the launch.
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Markets: At launch, it was confirmed for major markets (like the US) on May 7, 2019. Other regions followed shortly thereafter.
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Purpose: This edition targeted digital-only gamers and those starting fresh in the Xbox ecosystem. Paired with Xbox Game Pass, it served as an affordable gateway with a focus on downloads.
The All-Digital Edition launch date extended the Xbox One S’s lifecycle and offered a novel twist on the Xbox One S release story. By mid-2019, buyers could choose between traditional disc drives or a fully digital console, depending on their preference.
Legacy and Discontinuation:
The Xbox One S remained a key product for Microsoft through the late 2010s. However, with the arrival of next-gen consoles, its production eventually ceased. In late 2020, Microsoft quietly discontinued the Xbox One S along with other Xbox One models. Cindy Walker, Xbox’s director of console marketing, confirmed all Xbox One production stopped by the end of 2020. This shift allowed the company to focus on the Xbox Series X|S release in 2020.
The Xbox One S is remembered for being the last Xbox with built-in 4K Blu-ray and for bringing HDR gaming to many players. Even after discontinuation, the Xbox One S specs and features continue to influence the Xbox ecosystem – for example, the textured Bluetooth controller design carried on to newer consoles.
By documenting the xbox one x release dateand history, we see a full arc: from its 2016 debut and launch, through the 2019 All-Digital Edition, to its 2020 phase-out. These details not only illuminate the console’s timeline but also its role in evolving gaming tech (4K, HDR, streaming).
Stay informed, game on: The Xbox One S story highlights how console generations unfold. For the latest Xbox news, features, and updates, keep following our guides. Feel free to share this article on social media and drop your comments below on your own Xbox One S experiences!
