The 2 TB Xbox One S model launches August 2nd for $400.

Microsoft announced today that the $400 2TB model of the Xbox One S will be available as soon as August 2nd — and only the 2TB version. Wanted to get your hands on the 1TB ($350) or the 500 GB ($300) model, well you’re out of luck, at least in the near future. The dates for the 1TB and 500 GB models, as of now, are listed by Microsoft for a December 2016 release (right in time to cash in on those Christmas noobs).

This news comes in the face of Microsoft touting at E3 2016, where the Xbox One S was first announced, that the console, at a $300 price point, would release in August. But nope, only the more expensive $400 version.

Microsoft had the following to say about the console:

“Xbox One S is the most compact Xbox yet, 40 percent smaller than the original Xbox One, and includes a built-in power supply. We also shifted one of the three USB ports and the pairing button to the front of the Xbox One S alongside the newly added IR blaster for increased accessibility.

Beyond the fresh new design, Xbox One S is the first and only console that allows you to watch Blu-ray movies and stream video in stunning 4K Ultra HD with HDR. That means you’ll get to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in the clearest, most realistic video possible. With High Dynamic Range (HDR) support for video and gaming, Xbox One games..will look even better thanks to a higher contrast ratio between lights and darks, bringing out the true visual depth of your favorite games.

Xbox One S also comes bundled with the new Xbox Wireless Controller featuring textured grip, improved Xbox Wireless signal and added Bluetooth support (requires Windows 10 running the Windows Anniversary Update). The controller can be purchased as a standalone item for $59.99 USD and will also be available on August 2. All Xbox One games, accessories and Xbox Live services will work with Xbox One S.” 

As of right now the 2TB version is the only version that comes with a stand to allow the console to sit vertically. Further, the console is only available in white.

My Opinion:

It’s obvious what Microsoft’s gameplan is here: release/reannounce the cheaper, more average consumer friendly versions in December (cashing in on the Christmas noobs), and release the more expensive 2TB version first and substantially sooner (cashing in on the more hardcore gamer who can’t wait). It’s brilliantly evil.

Tyler Fischer is an Associate Writer for MONG who plays video games when he’s not busy researching alien conspiracy theories at 2AM. You can find him on Twitter.