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.
The Xbox One S disc drive SATA and power ports, which also transfer to Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.
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.
The Xbox One S' former disc eject button is still seemingly found under the console's casing.
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.
Jump into digital
Xbox One S All-Digital
Secure your Xbox One S All-Digital; Microsoft's new and ambitious disc-less console. It's the cheapest Xbox One ever made, bundled with a trio of downloadable games.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The Xbox app is getting boosted content sharing features
Xbox's Game DVR is a great tool for sharing quick clips of your gameplay skillzz, and thanks to this upcoming update for Xbox's apps, it's going to get even easier.
Review: The Eve Spectrum 4K Monitor pairs perfectly with the Xbox Series X
The crowd-designed Eve Spectrum 4K Monitor is gearing up to hit the market, but does this HDMI 2.1 display deliver on all of its promises?
Here are the changelogs for Minecraft's 1.18 Caves and Cliffs Update
Mojang Studios has released the changelogs for Minecraft 1.18 'Caves and Cliffs Update' Part Two, which is now beginning to release to Minecraft players everywhere.
The 9 best Cyber Monday Xbox deals under $50
Cyber Monday has brought some great savings for Xbox users, and these are the best, all available for less than $50.