Microsoft is preparing to introduce a number of new devices at E3 2016. There are rumors that the Xbox One Slim will also be showcased at the event.
The company will reportedly feature a cheaper and smaller Xbox One (Slim) later in 2016. The Xbox One Slim is said to include a number of powerful features that will still allow users to play the same titles on regular Xbox One consoles.
Kotaku revealed that the new Xbox One Slim will feature a larger 2TB hard drive, an upgraded GPU that provides it with 4K video support and the same I/O transfer speed. The Xbox One Slim is said to be 40 percent smaller than the regular model, with twice the storage capacity.
The more powerful GPU may allow Oculus Rift support as well. Microsoft is said to be eyeing on a collaboration with Oculus, which can mean that the new Xbox One Slim may have native support of Oculus Rift or have games streaming to the VR headset. Microsoft is allegedly preparing a bigger update to Xbox One Slim and its current gaming consoles, codenamed Scorpio, which will become available in 2017.
Microsoft and Oculus did not comment on the recent rumors of a budding partnership for the Xbox One Slim.
Microsoft is said to be aiming for an iterative approach for the Xbox One Slim, which involves an incremental model, instead of a single hardware change every few years. There may be more frequent hardware and game launches that are offer both forward and backward compatibility across Windows 10 and various Xbox models, including the Xbox One Slim.
Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted that the new approach may have the Xbox One Slim and future versions develop like a PC. They wanted to feature hardware innovations on the Xbox One Slim as these become available instead of waiting for a new machine, which can take years to develop.
According to The Verge, the Xbox One Slim may be part of "Project Helix," which aims to converge Xbox and Windows 10 gaming. Microsoft clarified that they planned to have their two top brands to work together. A number of titles will exclusively release on Xbox One and PC only, such as "Halo Wars 2" and "Sea of Thieves." Microsoft's new approach will involve releasing games on both platforms only, including its popular "Halo" franchise.
More updates and details on the Xbox One Slim and developments are expected at Microsoft's E3 event on June 13.
