2016
MICROSOFT

XBOX ONE S

MESA
XBOX ONE S

📜 History & Legacy

The Xbox One S, released by Microsoft in 2016, represented a mid-generation refresh of the original Xbox One, offering a sleeker design and improved hardware. While not a completely new console generation, the Xbox One S aimed to address some of the criticisms of the original model and provide a more compelling package for consumers. Its launch marked a pivotal moment in the console wars, giving Microsoft a chance to regain ground against its main competitor, Sony's PlayStation 4. The Xbox One S retained backward compatibility with Xbox One games and accessories, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Xbox owners. One of the most significant upgrades was its support for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray playback and HDR (High Dynamic Range) gaming, bringing enhanced visual fidelity to compatible TVs and games. Its smaller form factor, internal power supply (a welcome change from the original's external brick), and competitive price point made it an attractive option for both new and existing gamers.

The release of the Xbox One S was strategically important for Microsoft. It not only revitalized the Xbox brand but also set the stage for the eventual release of the Xbox One X in 2017. The Xbox One S demonstrated Microsoft's commitment to innovation and addressing customer feedback. The console's success helped to solidify Xbox's position in the gaming market, providing a solid foundation for future developments. It showed that mid-generation refreshes could be more than just cosmetic changes, offering tangible improvements in both performance and features. The console's impact can still be felt today, with its design principles influencing later Xbox consoles and its features becoming standard in modern gaming.

⚙️ Specifications

  • ❖ CPU: Custom 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU clocked at 1.75 GHz
  • ❖ GPU: Custom AMD Radeon GPU with 12 compute units clocked at 914 MHz (capable of 1.4 TFLOPs)
  • ❖ RAM: 8 GB DDR3 RAM (shared between system and graphics) + 32 MB ESRAM
  • ❖ Storage: 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB internal hard drive
  • ❖ Media: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, DVD, CD; Streaming video (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)

🎮 Top 10 Games

  • ★ Forza Horizon 3
  • ★ Gears of War 4
  • ★ Halo 5: Guardians
  • ★ Sea of Thieves
  • ★ Sunset Overdrive
  • ★ Ori and the Blind Forest
  • ★ Quantum Break
  • ★ Killer Instinct
  • ★ Cuphead
  • ★ Rise of the Tomb Raider

💡 Curiosities

  • ? Curiosity 1 (Did you know?) The Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the original Xbox One.
  • ? Curiosity 2 The Xbox One S introduced a new Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth support.
  • ? Curiosity 3 The console supports HDR10, offering richer colors and deeper contrast in compatible games and videos.
  • ? Curiosity 4 The Xbox One S removed the dedicated Kinect port, requiring an adapter for Kinect functionality.
  • ? Curiosity 5 Some models of the Xbox One S were released as limited edition consoles, featuring unique designs and colors.
  • ? Curiosity 6 The Xbox One S was the first console to support 4K streaming from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
  • ? Curiosity 7 The console's internal power supply was a significant improvement over the original Xbox One's external power brick.
  • ? Curiosity 8 The Xbox One S offered improved Wi-Fi connectivity compared to the original Xbox One.
  • ? Curiosity 9 The Xbox One S paved the way for the more powerful Xbox One X, released the following year.
  • ? Curiosity 10 The Xbox One S was available in various colors, including white, blue, and green.