Next-generation game consoles, the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, will be coming soon. But their sales will not begin until the end of 2020. What to do now? Those who want to dive into exclusive games today should take a closer look at Xbox One S All Digital . The features of this gaming console should be discussed in more detail.

All Digital Xbox One S Review

Appearance

The letter S in the name means Slim – “thin”. The device has really become more compact compared to its predecessors – its dimensions have decreased by 40%. Now a powerful game console is comparable in size to a compact TV receiver or six boxes of DVDs.Flawless white!Another difference was the flawless white color, which the manufacturer calls Robot White. It turned out to be more practical than the old black – dust and fingerprints are practically invisible on a smooth surface.

And most importantly – the console has finally received a built-in power supply. With it, gamers do not have to think about where to place a large heavy module. In addition, the device has become more stable in a vertical position – now it can be placed on a special stand.

The top panel of the console is divided into two parts. On the left is a flat surface made of smooth plastic, and on the right is a small grille, under which a large-diameter fan is hidden. The sides are also perforated – air is drawn in through them for cooling.

The front panel is minimalistic. On it you can see only a large power button, stylized as the Xbox logo. If you look closely, you will also notice additional functional elements: an infrared sensor for the remote control, a USB port and a sync button with a gamepad.

Most of the connectors are placed on the back side. There are:

• two USB 3.0;

• HDMI input and output;

• Ethernet port;

• S/PDIF optical audio port.

It is worth noting

The console can serve as an “intermediary” between a multimedia device and a TV. This is especially useful in cases where the latter does not have enough free HDMI ports.

Image quality

If we compare the S-version with the base Xbox One, then there will be few differences in the technical part. The eight-core AMD processor is built on a new 16-nanometer process technology, but its frequency remains the same – 1.75 GHz. But the characteristics of the graphics adapter have changed – it is overclocked to 914 MHz.

The platform update is associated not only with a decrease in size, but also with the introduction of HDR technology. Recall that it makes the picture more colorful and realistic due to the increased static contrast – that is, the difference in the brightness of individual sections of the image.

To test how this will affect gameplay, we launched Gears of War 4, the first Microsoft game to support HDR. To fully enjoy what is happening on the screen, it is worth turning off the lights and drawing the curtains – the benefits of the new technology are revealed in the dark. And indeed – the shadows become very deep and realistic. In the rooms of the virtual world, you will feel the same as in real twilight – all objects can be distinguished in the smallest detail, if you slightly strain your eyes. Of course, this contributes to complete immersion in the gameplay.

Another test was racing in Forza Horizon 3. Here, theThe D-Pad’s directional pad is pressed with light force. However, this has come at the benefit of accuracy – now you can choose the appropriate direction of movement by touch, without lowering your eyes. Mini joysticks received a rubberized coating with embossed sidewalls. They firmly adhere to the fingers, allowing you to accurately aim the sight at the desired point. The trigger buttons have become wider, which increased the accuracy of shots in shooters and speed adjustments in races.

note

You will need to use a USB adapter to connect the Kinect Dynamic Controller. There is no separate port for it in the Xbox One S.

Software features

The interface will be familiar to those who have already used the previous generation of consoles. Games run on a separate operating system, and all other applications run on a modified Windows 10. If you want, you can switch between them at any time to go from virtual battles to watching sports or making Skype calls.antages of HDR are visible to the naked eye: the picture becomes more saturated, it attracts attention and does not let go of the exciting gameplay.

Control

You get one wireless controller with the console. It also differs from the gadget that comes with the “regular” Xbox One. The main feature of the upgraded gamepad is short handles with a textured rough coating on the reverse side. This solution allows you to securely hold it in your palms, without losing control over the situation in the virtual world, even in the most dynamic battle

An Xbox Live subscription is required to play online. The standard version allows you to chat online, collect rewards and achievements, invite friends and opponents to an online match, and download new applications. The Premium Package gives you access to exclusive content and sales, and accelerates the accumulation of virtual currency in many games.

Features of the All Digital Version

A console with this name was created for those who have already lost the habit of using optical discs – it does not have an appropriate drive. However, the high-speed Wi-Fi a/c interface allows you to download new games over the air without wires or physical media.