Microsoft goes for an Xbox One hardware refresh ahead of E3


#1

Heads up, developers: Microsoft is refreshing its Xbox One hardware with a new $400 1 TB console bundle that will come packed with a new, reportedly redesigned controller (pictured) and debut in the U.S. next Tuesday – right at the start of E3 week.

This is intriguing in light of the fact that extant Xbox One consoles (with their 500 GB of storage) will continue to be sold at the cheaper price of $350; many were already available in the U.S. at that price, and have been for some time, as Microsoft has regularly put its hardware on sale to drive adoption and broaden the potential audience for developers releasing games on Microsoft’s console.

Last fall, the Xbox One was reportedly being outsold by Sony’s PlayStation 4 by as much as 40 percent worldwide. For the moment, the PlayStation 4 is still being sold for $400 at most U.S. retailers.


#2

Is the controller actually redesigned, or did they just put a fresh coat of paint on it?