What is the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition?

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is Microsoft's latest addition to the Xbox family, framed as a new entry-level living room device. Built upon the same foundations of the existing Xbox One S, it's a new, low-cost, disc-less alternative fully embracing digital downloads and streaming. Despite near-identical hardware under the hood, the connected console drops the optical disc drive, passing savings to buyers. In short, the Xbox One S All-Digital trades Xbox One game discs, 4K Blu-ray, and DVD compatibility for a $50 cut on the retail price.

By ditching its internal disc drive, this means the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition can't play any disc-based media. Microsoft has removed the essential components to read discs, with a fresh, streamlined casing that blocks where the drive used to be. The Xbox One also doesn't support external disc-drives over USB, making it impossible to regain disc compatibility after purchase.

The best Xbox One for discs

Since the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition won't support a disc collection, the standard Xbox One S is an ideal alternative. First launched back in 2016, the Xbox One S has been Microsoft's budget offering for nearly four years. Unlike the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, this device features an optical disc drive, with support for physical disc-based Xbox One games, along with 4K Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox One S is the feature-rich console of the duo, ideal for budget-conscious gamers and media enthusiasts alike.

Although Microsoft pitches the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition as its cheapest console yet, nearly three years on the market has driven the Xbox One S cost down. The Xbox One S is almost universally priced around a $300 price at third-party retailers, with some bundles lower on discount. The Xbox One S 1TB Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle bundle at Best Buy is an excellent alternative, packing the Xbox One S 1TB console alongside the latest Star Wars entry at a low price.

Thanks to this weekend's countdown to Cyber Monday, Amazon now has The Disney Afternoon Collection for Xbox One on sale for just $5 while supplies last. That saves you $15 off the game's regular price and brings it down to the best deal we've ever seen it reach. This offer is for a digital download code which you can use within minutes after today's purchase to start playing.

The Disney Afternoon Collection consists of six classic games led by some of the coolest Disney characters, along with new modes and ways to play which weren't available in the original releases. The games in the set include Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2, Darkwing Duck, DuckTales, DuckTales 2, and TaleSpin.

Since this is a digital game download, it'd be the perfect gift to pair with the new Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. This latest version of the Xbox One S is the most affordable model ever, even before taking today's $100 discount into account. Right now you can snag one for only $149 at Amazon which is a pretty crazy deal. Of course, this console doesn't have a disc drive whatsoever, so you'll need to start using digital games with it like the Disney Afternoon Collection above. It also comes with three games in the bundle including Fortnite, Minecraft, and Sea of Thieves. You'd have four games and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition for only $154!

Cyber Monday is about to get started! You can join us as deals go live beginning at 3am EST via our Cyber Monday headquarters. Some deals are even available right now, so you might even want to head there now.

The Xbox One X remains Microsoft's leading gaming console, packing 4K gaming, HDR colors, and so much more. You don't even need a 4K TV to experience its benefits, far outpacing market rivals. Although the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition sounds promising in concept, the long-term costs can't be ignored.

Related: Xbox One S All-Digital Edition vs. Xbox One S

Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S All-Digital: What's the difference?

Microsoft's Xbox One home console takes various forms in 2019, primarily split by the entry-level Xbox One S and the flagship Xbox One X. Pushing 4K resolution and improved visual fidelity, the Xbox One X is pitched as the premium powerhouse touting sharper, fluid gameplay. The alternative Xbox One S is a cheaper, more popular setup, providing HD gaming alongside 4K video playback. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is the new box on the block, dropping the optical disc drive, though it's otherwise identical to Xbox One S.

Primarily targeting enthusiasts with its industry-leading performance, the Xbox One X is the 4K gaming machine. Packing millions of additional pixels, games are sharper and more detailed than on other Xbox consoles, even translating to regular HD TVs. Both Xbox One consoles support HDR, too, delivering a wider color gamut and increased contrast ratio. Upgrades under the hood also help reduce load times, shaving vital seconds during gameplay.

Xbox One X retains full compatibility with other Xbox consoles, sharing its games and accessories. An ever-growing list of hundreds of games also packs tailored upgrades, including sharper visuals and smoother gameplay. Backed by 4K Blu-ray and streaming, it's a leading media center for the home. However, this doesn't come cheap, retailing for $500 in the U.S.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition targets a different gaming crowd, sold as the most affordable Xbox One to date. Sharing hardware with Xbox One S, buyers can expect equal compatibility and performance to the standard console. You'll get the Xbox One S usual offerings, meaning high-resolution 1080p gameplay backed by HDR colors. The only difference is the absence of a disc drive, priced at $250 for $50 saving.

However, with the disc drive removed, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition bars physical Xbox One games, Blu-rays, and DVDs. Without physical discs compatibility, all game and video purchases must be digital.

While the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition undercuts the Xbox family at a $249 retail price, it likely isn't the most affordable pick. Ditching the integrated disc drive comes with hefty consequences, locking the console down to Microsoft's in-house digital marketplace. It puts physical media off-limits, which spans Xbox One games, older disc-based backward-compatible titles, 4K Blu-ray, and DVDs. With digital gaming infamous for its higher cost, buying an Xbox One X could end up cheaper over time.

Which Xbox One is best for you?

While the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition poses a promising concept, associated long-term costs are detrimental to its money-saving promise. With the Xbox One X cheaper than ever, it costs only around $100 extra to experience the best of Microsoft's gaming hardware.

Packing 4K gaming (or 1080p supersampling) with discs and downloads, it's a winning combo in 2019. Unless desperate to save on the initial console cost, don't overlook Xbox One X.

We revealed the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition a few weeks ahead of its announcement back in April 2019, showcasing Microsoft's efforts to improve the affordability of entering its ecosystem.

Theoretically, this new console is $50 cheaper than its Xbox One S disc-bound counterpart. We say "theoretically" because, well, there are a lot of deals out there that nullify the savings. Microsoft would point to the bundled Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft titles as an additional saving, but considering these games are available on Xbox Game Pass, which is also cheaper, this makes little sense.

Therein lies the main problem with the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. It's a sound idea on paper, in a world that is increasingly moving to the cloud. In execution, the S family of Xbox consoles feels cluttered with a new console that feels more like an experiment.

What you'll like about the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

Functionally, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is identical to its disc-wielding cousin, save for the omission of a disc drive. Every aspect of the console is identical, besides that, the motherboard even retains the port for connecting an optical drive.

In 2019, the Xbox One S hardware has begun to really show its age. A large chunk of modern "AAA" games won't even be able to max out your HD TV's resolution, sitting around 900p or lower, in some cases, often sporting 30 frames per second.

After being on the more powerful (more expensive) Xbox One X for the past couple of years, it's a little tough to go back to Xbox One S-level visuals, but graphics don't stop games from being fun by any means. Minecraft, one of my most played games, runs perfectly well on the Xbox One S, and isn't exactly known for its high-fidelity visuals. The Xbox platform's biggest strength is the game library, which sports thousands of quality titles for all types of play.

The S is still a looker, too. Sleek, svelte, with an internal power supply and a marble white exterior. The omitted disc drive gives it an even more minimalistic look too. If that's your bag. The Xbox One dashboard has also improved leaps and bounds since 2013, although we may have to wait for next-gen for it to be more responsive. For media playback, the Alexa / Amazon Echo integration is also nice, since we now live in a Kinect-less world.

It's a plus point that Microsoft managed to stick a 1TB HDD into this price range, for all the digital games you'll be installing. It also contains all the extra features media fans love, like the IR-blaster for TV control, HDMI pass-through for TV integration, and three USB ports for extra accessories. The S will also play media in 4K, across apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Microsoft's own Movies & TV store.

The Xbox One S All-Digital is a solid video game console. However, since this product is firmly aimed at newcomers into the ecosystem, there are a lot of aspects of it that don't make a lot of sense, especially when stacked up against competing consoles.

What doesn't make sense about the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

The first thing to note about the S All-Digital Edition is that it's less powerful than the basic PlayStation 4, while simultaneously lacking a disc drive. Sure, it's $50 cheaper and comes with three games, but PlayStation arguably has a superior line-up of exclusives, particularly this deep into the generation. You'd have to want Ori and the Blind Forest, Halo Master Chief Collection, Minecraft Bedrock Edition, and Forza Horizon 4, over games like God of War and The Last of Us to justify hitting an Xbox One S All-Digital console instead of a PlayStation 4.

The S is far more powerful than the Nintendo Switch, and has a far bigger, far prettier library of games too. Games like DOOM are simply awful to play on the Nintendo Switch when compared to the Xbox One S or PlayStation 4, but obviously, you lose the portability factor in the process. The Switch also has some stellar exclusives of its own, including Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Smash Bros Ultimate. Although, the Switch will forever be strapped by its weak internals, missing out on major staple franchises like Call of Duty and hotly-anticipated AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077.

Despite stripping (a theoretical) $50 off the price of the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, losing the disc drive eliminates the option of purchasing second-hand disc-based games, which could lead to bigger savings down the line. Sure, the Xbox One platform has some really great sales on older games, and Xbox Game Pass also includes dozens of quality games based on a $10 monthly subscription. However, if you enjoy being able to trade games in after you're done with them, rather than allowing them to sit around gathering digital dust in your digital library, this console isn't for you.

For digital media fans, you'll also lose the ability for 4K Bluray playback, for a relatively measly (and, again, theoretical) $50 saving too. The Xbox One Movies & TV store has a decent offering of 4K videos in the U.S., but it's virtually barren for the rest of the world, with barely a dozen titles on offer in the UK, and even less in other territories. Microsoft simply isn't serious about offering digital movies and TV shows through the console, unwilling to even invest in an Android or iOS app for playback. These facts make it hard to recommend as a digital media device, too.

Should you buy the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition?

It's frankly odd that Microsoft bundled some older games with this console, rather than Xbox Game Pass. It would've made far more sense to call this an "Xbox Game Pass Edition" console, to push the existence of Game Pass towards thriftier, less-engaged gaming consumers. The games this console comes with are available on Xbox Game Pass, too.

The $50 saving is also a contentious point, too, since you can get Xbox One S consoles with a disc drive on Amazon for around $200 right now, totally eliminating the savings on offer here. At which point, you really have to ask, what's the point? You gain nothing. And save nothing.

The S All-Digital could have done with a more ambitious execution to help it stand out. A slimmer, unique design might have helped offset the lost disc drive. Instead of a bunch of older games, Microsoft should have bundled a 12-month Xbox Game Pass key instead, to really impress the digital lifestyle aspect this console aspires to.

As it stands, there's virtually no reason to recommend the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. Disc-based versions are available for just as much, often cheaper. Microsoft's digital movies and TV store is embarrassingly weak, with no mobile offering. And since the console is the same size as the S, you're not even gaining a slimmer, more portable design for the disc drive sacrifice.

I expect the price to come down even further in the future, of course, but right now, I'm honestly not sure who should buy this over a regular Xbox One S, if anyone.

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.

BuyDig has a special deal going on right now with the Xbox One S 1TB All Digital Edition video game console. Not only do you get the powerful console with 1TB of storage, you'll also get an Xbox wireless controller, four months of Xbox Live Gold, and six downloadable games so you can start playing right away. The entire bundle is $229. Considering the normal All Digital Edition bundle goes for $249 and includes half the games and half the time online, BuyDig's deal is one you don't want to miss.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

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If you prefer physical versions of games, you can get the Xbox One S 500GB console with a few free games for just $200 at B&H. That's also a really good deal we don't expect to stick around long.

The all-digital Xbox One S released at a really weird time. After all, the regular Xbox One S has been around for quite a while at this point. And, as you can tell from the deal mentioned above, it's often cheaper than the Digital version. So why give up physical games when you can get physical and digital for a less expensive price? Well, you probably wouldn't in most cases to be honest. In this case, however, you're getting a lot of storage and a lot of games. I know I personally haven't physically bought a game in years, either, so getting rid of the optical drive isn't a big deal to me. If you're the same way, you definitely wouldn't want to pass on a deal like this.

Read more about our review of the All Digital Edition Xbox One S. The review said, "It's a plus point that Microsoft managed to stick a 1TB HDD into this price range, for all the digital games you'll be installing. It also contains all the extra features media fans love, like the IR-blaster for TV control, HDMI pass-through for TV integration, and three USB ports for extra accessories. The S will also play media in 4K, across apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Microsoft's own Movies & TV store."

So, why is the Xbox One S All-Digital $250?

Microsoft unveiled the disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, during its Inside Xbox show on April 16, 2019. It came out in May 2019, complete with copies of Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 3 in the box. It launched at $249 RRP USD in the U.S., £199 in the U.K., and €229.99 RRP EUR in Europe.

The new Xbox One S All-Digital is identical to the current Xbox One S, albeit with the disc drive removed. It cannot play your favorite 4K UHD Blu-ray discs, but 4K content delivered via Microsoft's Movies & TV platform, as well as apps like Netflix, will be available. Games, however, will not run in 4K, remaining at a maximum of 1080p.

The current disc-based Xbox One S has an RRP of $299.99, but in reality retails for much lower. This makes the Xbox One S All-Digital an incredibly hard sell.

It'll be interesting to see whether retailers stock the All-Digital at a lower price point than the current disc-based models down the line, considering the fact the expectation is very much that it should be cheaper, since you're losing the disc drive for the privilege. Additionally, the games included in the Xbox One S All-Digital can also be obtained for much cheaper via Xbox Game Pass.

The reality is, a disc drive simply isn't that expensive to include during the manufacturing process, so savings of $100 or more were probably overly optimistic. However, the loss of functionality hardly makes it worth while, unless you're interested in the three bundled games that come with the S All-Digital. Hopefully, the price will drop a little more sooner, rather than later. Amazon has already begun cutting the price too, currently listing it at $200.

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a solid console for getting into the Xbox ecosystem, but you'll have even more fun with it if you pick up some high-quality accessories in order to bolster everything from your in-game performance to your media navigation capabilities. Here are the ones we recommend the most.

If we had to choose

All of these accessories are wonderful, but if I had to recommend just one, I would say that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is the best overall if you're a gamer. This is because it offers a ton of extensive customization, and its rubber grips are perfect for keeping your hands comfortable during long gaming sessions.

If you're looking for a high quality headset, the best choice is the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas due to how awesome the audio is and how comfortable its thick, airy headphone cushions are, and also due to how excellent the price is compared to other top-notch gaming headsets. If you're planning on enjoying 4K media with your Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, then you can't go wrong with the TCL 55R617 television, as it offers a very affordable way to get into 4K without sacrificing much in the way of image quality at all.

Microsoft's Xbox One S All-Digital Edition marks a new disc-less era for its gaming console. The new All-Digital Xbox embraces the ever-connected nature of modern gaming, designed to accompany a growing suite of digital services. The initial launch package will bundle the Xbox One S All-Digital 1TB, one wireless controller, and digital codes for Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft.

This is exciting news, and we know some of you are anxious to get your hands on this console, so we're doing what we do and giving a couple away! Scroll down, enter, and maybe you'll be a winner!

How to enter

The prize

This giveaway will have TWO winners! Each will receive one Xbox One S 1TB All-Digital Edition console!

The rules

There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values, in the widget at the bottom of this post. Complete all of the tasks by clicking each option in the widget for maximum entries and your best shot at winning. Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. The contest is open internationally, but any customs fees or taxes incurred during shipping are the responsibility of the contest winner.

The giveaway is open until May 7, 2019, the day the console is expected to ship, and the winner will be announced right here in the widget shortly after the close date.

Good luck!

The new Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is official and we're giving one away!

By entering you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Both the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition and the PlayStation 4 are great consoles, and the decision of which one you should buy will ultimately rest on your needs. If you're on a budget, prefer digital gaming, have a large library of digital Xbox 360 games, or want to stream 4K movies, the Xbox One S All-Digital is your best bet. However, if you want a disc drive, better gaming performance, and a larger selection of exclusive titles to choose from, then the PlayStation 4 is for you.

Xbox One SAD vs. PS4: Specs and features

When it comes to hardware specs, the PlayStation 4 is overall a stronger console than the Xbox One S All-Digital and offers better gaming performance. While the Xbox One S All-Digital does have a slightly better processor, the PlayStation 4's graphics hardware wins Sony the day in this regard. In addition, the PlayStation 4 also has a disc drive, meaning that you'll be able to opt for physical games or movies if you want, which you can't do with the Xbox One S All-Digital.

However, the Xbox One S All-Digital wins out in terms of storage space, coming with 500GB more than the original PS4. Considering how large some games can be, the difference is huge.

Software is where the Xbox One S All-Digital starts to win some real points over its PlayStation 4 competition. For starters, the console is capable of streaming video in 4K, which the PlayStation 4 simply can't do. Also, if you own digital Xbox 360 games, they will be available to download and play again for free on your Xbox One S All-Digital thanks to Xbox's backwards compatibility focus.

There's also Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription service that offers tons of Xbox One and Xbox 360 games for download and play for $10 a month. Sony's PlayStation Now service is a lot less advanced in comparison, charging customers $20 per month and forcing them to stream its PlayStation 3 titles, instead of downloading them as you can for PlayStation 2 and 4 ones. Sony does score points over Microsoft with its exclusives library, though, which is much larger and arguably of a higher quality than what the Xbox One has to offer.

Xbox One SAD vs. PS4: Which is a better value?

Both the Xbox One S All-Digital and the PlayStation 4 are great gaming consoles, and ultimately neither one is objectively better then the other. Rather, your own specific needs will determine which one is the most valuable for you. If you want to save some money, love digital gaming, and want to stream 4K movies, the Xbox One S All-Digital will be the best console for you. However, if you want a box that has stronger overall hardware and more exclusives to enjoy, the PlayStation 4 is the perfect choice.

Why is the Xbox One All-Digital good for video streaming?

The reason why the Xbox One All-Digital is good for video streaming is because it has the ability to play movies and TV shows in 4K resolution and with high dynamic range (HDR), provided that the media you're watching has support for it and you have a TV that works with these features. This is especially true if you're a subscriber to services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, since they offer tons of 4K/HDR content.

Speaking of services, there are plenty of video streaming ones exclusive to the Xbox One family, though they mostly offer regular HD content. Notable ones include Microsoft Movies and TV, MTV, USA NOW, Syfy Now, FOX NOW, Comedy Central, and, if you enjoy watching video game streams, Mixer.

Why might a regular Xbox One S be better?

While the Xbox One All-Digital is certainly awesome for video streaming, you may want to choose a normal Xbox One S instead because the disc drive broadens your options when it comes to 4K/HDR content. While media with these features is fairly rare digitally, 4K/HDR Blu-ray discs are extremely common to find and are sold pretty much everywhere, from mom-and-pop film stores to country-wide chains like Walmart.

Microsoft has taken the wraps off the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, its new disc-free console primed for always-connected gaming. Dropping the internal disc drive and passing $50 savings onto buyers, it's the lowest Xbox One retail price to date at $249.

While the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is slated for a May 7, 2019 release, we've already received a glimpse under the hood. The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition generally fulfills its initial promises, merely cutting the internal optical disc drive for a lightweight, low-cost gaming console. Microsoft appears to be sharing identical components of the standard Xbox One S; even leaving space to add a disc drive back.

Our first in-depth look inside the Xbox One S All-Digital comes via Austin Evans, receiving an early hands-on with the console before its reveal. The video provides a full unboxing of Microsoft's download-only console, while also exploring what has changed inside the all-white box. And it's mostly the same, albeit with new metal panel reinforcing where the drive once laid.

However, by sharing components with its predecessor, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition still stows remnants of its disc drive. Evans refers to spare SATA and proprietary power ports on the All-Digital board; the two previously used to connect the disc drive itself. The radio frequency board up front also still features the same eject button, now simply masked by the All-Digital's new casing.

It's unclear whether the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition will support a Blu-ray drive, though indicates a potential DIY post-purchase upgrade path for console buyers. The Xbox One operating system appears capable of detecting its absence, though it's unknown if Microsoft has locked out capabilities entirely at a software level.

In the meantime, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is now available for preorder at $249, ahead of a May 7, 2019 debut.

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.

You lose more than just 4K discs

Support for digital UHD movies on the Xbox One platform has been spotty at best. Although the situation in the US is much better than it is in Europe and other territories, support for UHD Blu-ray discs is far more widespread than it is for 4K digital content. This is particularly true on buy-to-own platforms like Microsoft Movies & TV, especially for TV series and shows.

Beyond Microsoft Movies & TV, you have the option of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more for 4K media consumption, all without a disc drive. However, when you buy digitally on Xbox (or any platform), you never really truly own your content. Licensing issues, terms of service violations, and simple service shutdowns can lead to you losing your digital content forever. This is particularly risky on Microsoft, who have a proven track record of shutting down consumer-oriented digital sales businesses, such as Microsoft Books, and Groove Music. There's no guarantee whatsoever they won't eventually shut down their digital movies and shows platform too.

In addition to losing the option for 4K Blu-ray movies, you also lose the option of buying games on disc. While Microsoft's commitment to its gaming library is far stronger than its commitment to its Movies & TV platform, if you want to keep those games forever, having them on a physical disc is a always a safer long-term bet. Additionally, having them on disc gives you the option of trading games in when you're done with them. Once you go digital, there's nothing you can do with that license when you're done with the game.

If you have faith in the digital future, you can save some $$$ by picking up the cheaper Xbox One S All-Digital Edition console, otherwise, the disc-bound regular Xbox One S (or even Xbox One X) will prove more versatile.

Is that it?

Pretty much; the only real difference between the Xbox One S All-Digital and the regular Xbox One S is the removal of the disc drive and the disc drive eject button. It may seem like a subtle change, but it has a few implications for what you can do with the box, along with the price point.

The discless Xbox One S All-Digital Edition should end up being around $50 cheaper than the regular S, and comes bundled with three games — Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 3 — making it a cost-effective option for gamers wanting to jump into the ecosystem for the first time. While the RRP for the All-Digital is $50 lower than the regular S, it remains to be seen how retailers will position the consoles. It may be the case that you can still get regular S bundles for cheaper.

Disregarding price, without a disc drive you lose the option of buying 4K UHD Blu-ray movies and shows on disc, and you lose the option of buying physical games either for the sake of collecting or trading-in when you're done.

Both Xbox One S consoles, along with the Xbox One X, sport a range of digital 4K offerings, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Microsoft's Movies & TV platform, but support for UHD media has generally been better on disc, so far, as companies battle for licensing rights to the digital versions. Games however will output at an absolute maximum of 1080p across both systems. If you want to get the most out of that 4K TV set, you'll need an Xbox One X instead.

The purchase decision between the new Xbox One S and Nintendo Switch ultimately boils down to two things: cost, and portability. The Xbox One S offers a more mature ecosystem, with many of the best third-party games available for Nintendo Switch, like DOOM, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Minecraft often retailing for less, since they've been available for longer.

If cost-saving is your goal, the S is probably a better buy. However, the Nintendo Switch boasts some of the most exciting current and upcoming exclusive games, fresh from Nintendo's legendary portfolio of classic franchises. Microsoft simply hasn't shown itself to nurture its game franchises as well as Nintendo does. Also, the portability factor and versatility of the Switch may mean you end up getting way more bang for the buck, since you'll be able to play anywhere, and not just in front of your TV.

Price, power, and physicality

On raw power, the Xbox One S has the Nintendo Switch firmly beaten, owing to its larger size, which allows for beefier components. As such, the Nintendo Switch struggles to hit a baseline of 1080p HD resolution in many games, and additional visual compromises have to be made with various 3D titles like DOOM and Wolfenstein II in order to run on the portable device. Therein lies the tradeoff: the Nintendo Switch is portable allowing you to take your games with you anywhere with fairly-decent battery life to boot (made even more decent with a USB-C external battery).

The S on the other hand is bound to your television set, but it comes with more powerful media capabilities as a result. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, YouTube, Hulu, Microsoft's own Movies & TV service, and many more all provide up to 4K UHD content for media enthusiasts, while the Nintendo Switch has yet to gain any media apps beyond YouTube.

The Xbox One ecosystem has been around since 2013 too and even incorporates the Xbox 360 library and some select games from the original Xbox library, giving it a far bigger content spread than the Nintendo Switch in 2019. The fact that some of the games are older also means they pop up in sales more regularly, and can be purchased at a discount. Additionally, the Xbox One platform has a subscription service dubbed Xbox Game Pass, that gives you access to hundreds of titles for $10 per month, many of which are available on the Nintendo Switch to buy as premium one-off purchases.

On the flip side, you'll never truly own any of the games you purchase digitally through either Nintendo or Microsoft since they have the right to close your account and deny you access to your digital content at a moment's notice. Sure, you'd have to fall afoul of some serious terms of service violations for that to happen, but we've also seen instances where games have vanished from digital stores due to licensing issues. The Nintendo Switch comes with the option of purchasing physical cartridges for game collections, and sure, they're often more expensive, but that also means you can trade them in when you're done. The Xbox One S All-Digital console has no disc drive, meaning you're bound to digital licenses.

What about games?

Nintendo is a legendary company, being one of the oldest players in the business. Its exclusive franchises, including Zelda, Smash Bros, Pokémon, Mario, and many others are already being well-served on the comparatively new console. Many of them are more fun and more accessible than those exclusives offered by Microsoft, who frankly still hasn't proven it can create a solid foundation out of its in-house portfolio.

Save for a few high-quality exclusives like Forza Horizon 4's racing extravaganza and Ori and the Blind Forest's emotional platforming tale, most Xbox exclusives have been received poorly. While Microsoft is investing heavily in improving its first-party games, and titles like Gears 5 and Halo: Infinite look promising, the trend towards disappointment doesn't look like it'll change any time soon.

Nintendo, on the other hand, already has a range of great titles worth playing right out of the gate, including New Super Mario Bros. U, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Pokémon Let's Go, with more on the immediate horizon like Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Pokémon Sword/Shield. Where the Xbox One S All-Digital has the Switch beat is in the third-party content, owing to its more powerful hardware and older age.

Halo and Mario are two of Xbox and Nintendo's biggest franchises respectively.

The All-Digital Edition also comes bundled with Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 3, increasing its value (if you actually want those games, that is), along with all the latest and greatest games from the industry's biggest publishers. Microsoft has also made its mark supporting backwards compatibility, meaning that future Xbox consoles will be compatible with all the games you purchase today. Nintendo hasn't always been great at supporting backwards and forwards compatibility. For example, Nintendo only allows you to play NES games via a subscription service, even if you purchased NES games on the "Virtual Console" on Nintendo's older systems, forcing you to buy them multiple times if you want to play. There's no real guarantee future Nintendo consoles will be compatible with content you buy today, but with backwards compatibility popularity on the rise, Nintendo will hopefully join the party.

Given the rising popularity of the Switch, however, more publishers are looking into ways to shrink their games down to the pint-sized console. Popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Minecraft have made the leap to the Switch, with many more developers looking to support the console.

So, which should you buy?

It ultimately depends on your needs. If you're buying based on exclusive games, Nintendo skews towards pure fun, accessible titles brimming with depth and longevity that appeal to gamers of all ages, whereas Microsoft trends towards more mature titles, notably racing simulators and shooters.

For better visuals, streaming media, and a bigger game library for your TV set, the Xbox One S All-Digital is arguably the more cost-effective purchase, with a cheaper buy-in price, and many, many more HD games. The Nintendo Switch wins on pure fun factor though, with titles like Super Smash Bros., Super Mario Bros. U, and Mario Kart geared towards local co-operative play, and a portable configuration for gaming with friends and family literally anywhere.

Stream all the 4K things!

The Xbox One S All-Digital, like its disc-supporting cousin the Xbox One S, offers 4K playback for various media streaming apps to a compatible 4K display via HDMI. This includes apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Microsoft's own Movies & TV digital purchasing service.

Naturally, in order to stream content in 4K, you need a 4K television, a 4K-capable HDMI cable (like the one included in the Xbox One S All-Digital box), and 4K content. Not all content on Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, and Microsoft Movies & TV is available in 4K resolution, so be sure to check the resolution of your media if you find that the final resolution output is blurrier than expected. Content streamed on Netflix and YouTube will automatically output to the highest resolution if your internet is fast enough, whereas 4K videos on Amazon or Microsoft need to purchased specifically, usually at a premium.

Save for the lack of a disc drive, the Xbox One S All-Digital is identical to the Xbox One S with all the same capabilities. While it can't output games in 4K, the cable included in the box and the operating system both support UHD output for media. It also supports Dolby Atmos surround, making those 4K streamed movies all the more exciting.

For 4K, you need an Xbox One X

The Xbox One S All-Digital console sports near-identical internals to that of the regular Xbox One S, the only major difference being the removal of the disc drive. Owing to its dated computational hardware, the Xbox One S consoles can only manage outputs of up to 1080p (although realistically, it often outputs lower than that too).

The Xbox One X, however, has far more powerful graphical capabilities, not only allowing games to hit 4K UHD resolutions, but also baking in tons of additional visual benefits including improved details, textures, and lighting. Of course, you'll pay more for the privilege, around $200 more in fact.

The Xbox One S All-Digital console is ultimately aimed at newcomers to the ecosystem, offering the lowest RRP entry point to the Xbox game library. It also comes with digital codes for Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 3, and Minecraft, making it a compelling gift option for youngsters or loved ones who aren't particularly interested in making use of the UHD Blu-ray player that comes with the regular Xbox One S.

The Xbox One X comes with a UHD Blu-ray player, with no "discless" option on the horizon, at least for the time being. So if you want the 4K capabilities and the Blu-ray player, you'll want to stick with the Xbox One X.

Enter the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, it's latest low-cost Xbox console. Doubling down on game downloads, the new console cuts $50 off entry-level Xbox one consoles by stripping down the console to its essential components and taking out the disc drive.

The Xbox One S All-Digital is primed for the modern online world, backed by Microsoft's ever-growing integrated Microsoft Store for games, movies, TV, and more. Paired with Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service with over 100 games, the console is ideal for the convivence of digital landscape. While losing out on the benefits of physical media, it's an overall promising addition filling a new hole in the Xbox lineup.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition retains a familiar white and black design, now streamlined without the drive and eject button. The console promises otherwise identical capabilities, including shared features, performance, games, and accessories with the existing Xbox One S from 2016. It merely acts as the latest entry-point into the Xbox gaming ecosystem, now at a lower price than ever before.

When does the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition release?

While it was first unveiled during Microsoft's Inside Xbox live show for April, the console's release is just around the corner. The Xbox One S All-Digital is currently on track for a May 7, 2019, release date and is priced at $249 in the U.S. Preorders for the device are now live ahead of its launch directly via the Microsoft Store.

Which countries is Xbox One S All-Digital Edition available in?

While Microsoft is yet to release a full list of markets set to receive the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, availability is expected across most existing regions. The U.S. is currently the only region confirmed for initial availability on May 7, 2019.

Enter the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition

Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, its latest home console with an always-connected twist. The new budget setup drops the internal disc drive for downloads and subscriptions, undercutting the existing Xbox lineup at an affordable $250. It's an ambitious pitch that embraces the convenience of digital gaming.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition retains most of the features and design identity of the original Xbox One S, including 1080p resolution high dynamic range (HDR) gaming, alongside 4K HDR video playback. It plays the same games with identical features and performance, now streamlined without the optical disc drive. This console is ideal for those going all-in on digital, cutting initial hardware costs. And with the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition just around the horizon, preorders for the device are live.

Where to preorder Xbox One S All-Digital

Microsoft has opened Xbox One S All-Digital preorders worldwide for your opportunity to secure its disc-less console. Early adopters can purchase the console at its $250 U.S. retail price, with comparable pricing overseas. The initial bundle features a 1TB All-Digital console, alongside download codes for Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 3.

The Microsoft Store is the primary storefront for Xbox One S All-Digital Edition preorders, promising day-one availability directly from the platform-holder. Amazon and other third-party retailers also stock the device, paired with Amazon Prime benefits for subscribers.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is Microsoft's latest entry-level gaming console, serving up the Xbox One's lowest retail price ever, embracing streaming and downloads. Cutting the disc-drive helps further drop hardware costs, and it is positioned as a lightweight, streamlined alternative to the Xbox One S and Xbox One X.

While the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition brings a third Xbox One to consider, it's a different situation under the hood. Built upon its Xbox One S predecessor, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition leverages shared hardware for comparable performance and features, with only minor alterations to streamline the package.

Xbox One S All-Digital Edition full specifications

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition might lose the disc drive, but it remains equally capable. Below are the full technical specifications for Microsoft's latest (and cheapest) Xbox console to date.

As new details on the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition surface, we'll update this list of system specifications.

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.

Microsoft today unveiled the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, an all-new disc-less addition to its Xbox One console family. Revealed during its monthly "Inside Xbox" live show, the latest entry-level device cuts out the optical disc drive, debuting the console's lowest retail price to date at $249.

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition builds on Microsoft's existing Xbox One S, first debuted in 2016 as its baseline console, followed by flagship Xbox One X. The new All-Digital console embraces the ever-connected nature of modern gaming, designed to accompany a growing suite of digital services.

Leaked Xbox One S All-Digital info confirmed

The Xbox One S All-Digital Edition comes as no surprise, following our extensive leaks leading up to its unveiling. As we exclusively reported last month, the Xbox One S All-Digital retains a form factor near-identical to the Xbox One S, with the same minimal white silhouette. With the disc drive and eject button now removed, it's all about cost-cutting for budget gamers. Otherwise, shared internals with its predecessor means the same features, performances, games, and accessories, but now available at a lower price.

General Manager of Platform and Devices Marketing at Microsoft, Jeff Gattis, expanded on its ambitions for the new console:

The initial launch package will bundle the Xbox One S All-Digital 1TB, one wireless controller, and digital codes for Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft.

Like the Xbox One S, this new All-Digital package will support up to 1080p gaming with high dynamic range (HDR) for sharp, color-rich experiences. This doubles with 4K HDR video playback over downloads and streaming, while obviously cutting 4K Blu-ray capabilities. Other existing system-level features remain, including FreeSync variable refresh rates (VRR), Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio.

All-digital gaming vs. discs

The Xbox One S All-Digital serves as a new avenue into the Xbox gaming ecosystem in 2019, ahead of a new hardware generation slated for 2020. It's not designed to be an upgrade for existing Xbox One S and Xbox One X owners, but rather innovate and expand Microsoft's portfolio in an ambitious new direction.

Related: The hidden cost of digital games

However, with the Xbox One S often available below its retail price at third-party retailers, the Xbox One S All-Digital falls into strange territory. While the disc-less device will eventually align with the full lineup, you can still find its 2016 predecessor at (or below) $249, and it has a disc drive. But for those embracing a clutter-free all-digital lifestyle, the Xbox One S All-Digital is an exciting shift for console gaming.

The Xbox One S All-Digital is currently slated for a May 7, 2019, worldwide release. The disc-less console is now available for preorder via the Microsoft Store, priced at $249 in the U.S.

Xbox accessories you'll love

Every one of these quality accessories is guaranteed to enhance your Xbox experience.

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox One ($20 at Amazon)

PowerA's take on the Xbox One controller is an attractive pickup for budget-conscious gamers that nails all the basics.

Talon PDP Xbox media remote ($20 at Amazon)

The Talon PDP Xbox media remote is great for watching shows on your console.

Xbox One S vertical stand ($10 at Amazon)

Stand your console upright with this accessory.