Microsoft announces new Xbox and 2017 console

Microsoft have had a big day, they announced a $35billion purchase of business networking site LinkedIn, and in Los Angeles showcased the next Xbox One and future console plans at the E3 gaming show.

In their head to head battle with Sony and the Playstation, Microsoft are suggesting there’s never been a better time to be an Xbox gamer.  This relates to a new “family” of devices and future platform plans they’ve announced.

Available for preorder today, and in-stores from August will be a new Xbox One – the “S”.  The Xbox One S will come in three variations, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB with a focus on 4K.  Supporting 4K Blu-Ray playback and HDR content the Xbox One S also has an internal power supply.

This is substantial because despite the current Xbox being a larger device with a huge power “brick” Microsoft have managed to squeeze the power supply into the new device while also reducing the overall device size by 40 percent.

Additionally, and perhaps most significantly, Microsoft announced “Project Scorpio” which is the code name for the next console which will join the Xbox One and Xbox One S as the top end console.

Project Scorpio will have 6 teraflops of GPU meaning a solid and genuine 4K gaming machine with a focus on Virtual Reality.  Games and Accessories will all be compatible across the three devices.

As a side note for all devices, there’s a new Xbox wireless controller with “enhanced comfort” and “textured grip” with new Bluetooth for Windows 10 PC connectivity.

Additionally, there are plans for a design lab online where you can customise your controller design – sadly, only for US, Canada and Puerto Rico right now..