Microsoft has announced that they'll be releasing a new Xbox One console bundle on November 3rd in the US, which will come with an Xbox One Elite Controller and a 1TB Hybrid SSHD Drive.
We know all about the Elite Controller of course, but the new drive will be - for the time being, at least - exclusively available in this bundle. For those that aren't up to speed with drive technology, a hybrid SSHD drive keeps most of your data on a standard drive, just like you have now. However, a solid state portion of the drive (flash memory) is utilized to store your most frequently access files and data. The flash memory is many times faster than the standard drive, so response times are quicker when using those files. We would imagine - and this is just a guess - that the operating system (or parts of it) will be stored on the flash portion of the drive initially to improve overall system performance.
The whole bundle will set you back $499.99, which means that you're getting the new drive and an Elite controller for around $100 more than you'd pay for a standard 1TB system (although the standard 1TB systems usually come with a game for $399.)
The Xbox One Elite bundle will be available direct from Microsoft or via Gamestop in the US, with details for other regions yet to be confirmed.
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[source xbox.com]
Comments 12
I installed a 1 TB hybrid drive on my PS4 over a year ago. I don't really notice a difference in speed. Maybe a side by side test in the same conditions might reveal a difference but to me, I really don't know if it made much of a difference. I might just go ahead and install a 6 TB soon because I already have the 1 TB almost full. Best to future proof it because a lot of years to go. 😄
Since I don't want/need the new elite controller, this bundle would be pointless & overpriced to me.
I would just stick with the standard 1 tb bundle & get a free game too.
No kinect in the bundle? seems pretty stupid to me
@EternalDragonX
Kinect is, thankfully, dead & buried.
And all of Xbox land is better for it. All hail Phil Spencer!!!.......who saw the light, put the shotgun in Kinect's mouth, & pulled the trigger.
Now Xbox can be Xbox again.
@KelticDevil Kinect is very much not 'dead and buried' - maybe in terms of gaming its very 'niche' but its certainly not dead and buried.
In terms of gaming, I really can't see that Dance, Fitness and maybe even some party games working without Kinect. Now these games may not be your cup of tea but they are so much better than using a controller (like the Wii mote or PS Move) and Kinect is by far the best way to 'play'. Like I said the Kinect is more 'niche' in terms of gaming but it can have its uses in more mainstream gaming too - BF4 for example has a lean mechanic and voice commands.
I, like many others, use Kinect for navigation etc. Its easier to go to specific areas, accepting invites etc. Although I don't use it myself for watching TV/Videos etc, its very easy to control the viewing rather than have to find the controller, power on etc just to pause, rewind etc the programme.
With the new Win 10 UI, the only way to use Cortana is with Kinect. The current UI will stop you playing whilst you go to friends, load up party chat and invite but with the new UI, you can do all this by asking Cortana.
This video shows how great and easy the new UI will be and why Kinect is not dead and buried - primarily with Cortana. Without it Cortana will not work!
@BAMozzy
Dance games? Exercise games? Mini-game compilations? Shovelware.
When Kinect's best feature is being a $100 camera that works well with the UI & saves you the massive amount of time it takes to......press a couple buttons.
Dead. And. Buried.
@KelticDevil The main exercise game (Xbox Fitness) is FAR from shovelware. It's become an important part of many people's daily routine and I'm planning to use it in the future.
Agreed on the rest of the software lineup though.
@KelticDevil Whilst I will agree that the 'software' isn't in general likely to win any game of the year awards or even be in any ones top 10 of the year, they do have their place in some families set-up. Not every Xbox one is purely used by one person in household for the sole purpose of 'controller' based gaming - some are in the main living room of families with non-gamers that access netflix (or equivalent) who use kinect to search, play, pause, rewind etc TV, Fitness regimes and occasional party or family fun night and Kinect can fulfil that 'niche' and help those access and 'play'. I know before my daughters left home, they really enjoyed having dance-offs in Dance Central but couldn't use a controller and really enjoyed Zumba too. Young kids can benefit from Kinect too but just because you have no interest in it, doesn't make it 'dead and buried'
As for the navigation etc, whilst it does save a few moments in terms of button presses, I think its going to make a bigger difference when Win 10 UI comes out. Whilst you can probably still record whilst gaming with a few button presses, I expect it will take a lot longer to type a message to share with the video than dictate and also take you out of the game itself to do so. Its also a lot easier to ask Cortana to start a party and invite your friends whilst continuing to play too.
Being 'disabled' and unable to use Kinect's motion controls in probably every 'game', I still wouldn't be without it and I think when Cortana comes out, it will be even more beneficial to me. I can actually see its popularity increasing as a result - maybe not for everyone but for a lot who dismissed it!
@KelticDevil i use mine for changing stations, controlling volume, niche gaming, and my wife and children do aswell. Just because it may not be for you. Doesn't mean its not for others. Also be an adult here and show some respect for people when commenting and stop being so argumentative, sheesh.
@EternalDragonX
How am I not showing respect to people? Just because I disagree doesn't mean I am not being adult or being disrepectful. I didn't name call or put anyone down.
If you don't like my opinions, don't read them. Simple as that.
Also, I am pretty sure in another article (the one about the discless Xbox), you called the idea "stupid". So, by your logic.....that could be considered argumentative just bc you wouldn't buy it.
@KelticDevil Suppose i was being a bit irrational. My apologies mate.
@EternalDragonX
No worries.
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