Microsoft has been rumored to be developing and Xbox One S variant that will ship without a disc-drive. This so-called Xbox One S All-Digital Edition will rely on content delivered totally online. Reports suggest the console will launch soon and now a leak of the device has appeared on the internet.
This is the second such leak after a previous expose in March. WinFuture reports the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition will cost around $260 when it launches. Microsoft will sell the console in a bundle along with a controller and three installed games (Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft).
As you can see in the leaked image below, the new Xbox One variant looks exactly like its stablemates except that it does not have a Blu-ray drive. While this changes how the device can be used, it does little to the aesthetics.
We know Microsoft is planning to make this the most affordable of the Xbox One range, so the $260 price tag makes sense considering the normal Xbox One S costs $299. It is worth noting Microsoft has still offered no official details regarding the console, its price, or availability.
Speaking of which, the report points to an April 16 launch data for the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, which is tomorrow. Although, shipments in Europe will apparently not start until May 7.
Digital Era
Many gamers have already gone all digital, where they download a title from an online store and play it without ever seeing a disc. This means games are available on demand. We all know the frustration of having to change discs (or cartridges in the old days) whenever we wanted to play a new game.
Microsoft's digital gaming plans are starting to take shape. Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription service that allows users to play hundreds of games for a monthly price of $9.99. Microsoft describes the service as Netflix for gamers.