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.
Xbox FY21 Q2 revenue surges 51% with Xbox Series X, Series S launch
Microsoft enters the next console generation strong with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, pushing steady growth across its hardware, software, and subscriptions in Q2 financials.
Review: Is the latest DLC pack for Dead Cells worth your time?
Dead Cells has enjoyed a healthy amount of DLC since its launch in 2018. The second paid DLC pack, titled Fatal Falls, is here, and it's a must-buy for fans of the game.
Microsoft brings in a record-breaking $43.1 billion in rev for FY21 Q2
Microsoft had another massive quarter pulling in $43.1 billion in revenue. Driven by strong growth in commercial, cloud, the company sees a resurgence due to "the dawn of a second wave of digital transformation sweeping every company and every industry." Xbox, Surface, and Windows all did well, too, due to strong holiday sales. Full details ...
The capture cards Xbox streamers need to know about
Looking to improve the quality of your gaming videos or streams? The Xbox One does an OK job with built in software, but to kick it up a few gears you need a good capture card.