There's not long to wait for a new version of the Xbox One console, which was leaked by Amazon in the US and is now official. The Xbox One 2015 will go on sale on the same day as Microsoft's E3 2015 media breifing so here's what we know about its release date, price and specs. Updated 23/7/15 with our Elite controller hands-on review video. See also: Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.
The Xbox One continues to battle Sony's PS4 in the console market but Microsoft is about to launch a new model with a (slightly) upgraded spec and a new controller. A listing was spotted on Amazon by IGN which has since been removed but not fast enough for the information to be gone. We thought we would have to wait unti E3 2015 for the full announcement but Microsoft has made the console official.
For more buying advice see: Should I buy a next-gen console: Is the PS4 and Xbox One worth it?
New Xbox One 2015: Release date and price
The leaked information from Amazon suggested that the new Xbox One 2015 would go on sale on 15 June, but Microsoft has confirmed the release date as 16 June in the US and 'selected markets' will get it later this month.
The removed listing quoted a price of $400 (£262 converted, and without tax don't forget) for the new Xbox One 2015 which is bang on as Microsoft has confirmed the 1TB model will cost $399. It also said the $349 price for the existing 500GB model will now be permanent in the US and 'selected regions'.
In the UK the Xbox One 1TB costs £349 and will begin shipping 'immediately' and the £299 price of the 500GB model is permanent.
New Xbox One 2015: Wireless Adaptor
Along with the Xbox One 1TB announcement, Microsoft said its Xbox Wireless Adaptor for Windows will go on sale this autumn priced at $24.99. It will also be bundled with the new Xbox One controller (see below) for $79.95. Once again, we're waiting for UK details.
New Xbox One 2015: Specs and new features
As per the leaked information, the new Xbox One 2015 will feature a 1TB hard drive giving you plenty of storage space for games, media and videos of your awesome in-game skills. That's twice the size of the current model and the console has a new matte finish. You can also add your own USB 3.0 hard drive but other hardware remains the same.
The console will also come with a copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection in selected markets - not the UK, though.
As well as more storage space, the new Xbox One 2015 comes with a redesigned controller available for $64.99 in black and a new Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces Wireless Controller which is silver and black camouflage (below) - this will begin shipping on 16 June in the UK. The regular black controller will be available on its own 'late summer'.
Apart from the new design, the controller features a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack so you can plug a headset straight in.
"You'll have the option to adjust headset volume, mic monitoring, and voice and game audio balance through the Settings menu on your console. In addition to audio improvements, we've fine-tuned the bumpers and enabled wireless firmware updates on the updated controller which eliminates having to connect the controller via USB cable to receive updates." said Major Nelson.
Microsoft said it has improved the quality of audio of the controller and increased the maximum audio volume on headsets used with it - based on fan feedback. All existing controller accessories will work with the new Xbox One controller for 2015, including the Stereo Headset Adapter.
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