Xbox One S Release Date Announced, Only the Most Expensive Version Available at First

The Xbox One S will begin its rollout on August 2, Microsoft announced today.

That's when the $400 2 TB model of the white console will be available. Microsoft will also offer the system in 1 TB ($350) and 500 GB ($300) configurations, but those versions, as rumored, are coming later. The release dates for the 1 TB and 500 GB models are listed by Microsoft as December 2016.

Microsoft announced the Xbox One S at E3 2016, heavily touting a $300 price point and an August release date. As it turns out, only the most expensive version will be available at first.

The Xbox One S is 40 percent smaller than the current Xbox One and comes with an internal power supply, compared to external for the existing model. Also, the Xbox One S supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), which offers "richer, more luminous colors"; Microsoft-published games such as Gears of War 4 and Scalebound will be among the first to support HDR.

Additionally, the Xbox One S comes with an updated Xbox One controller that features a new textured grip, better wireless, and Bluetooth support. This controller can also be purchased separately for $60, starting on August 2.

The Xbox One S can be positioned vertically, and the 2 TB edition comes with a stand. The 1 TB and 500 GB models do not, though this accessory (which is only for the Xbox One S), can be purchased separately for $20.

Another thing to note that is all Xbox One games, accessories, and Xbox Live services are supported on Xbox One S. Additionally, the only color announced so far is white.

In addition to the slimmed-down system, Microsoft is releasing a new, more powerful Xbox device, Project Scorpio, in holiday 2017. Microsoft has referred to this system as the "most powerful console ever made." Pricing has not been announced.

Are you planning to pick up an Xbox One S? Let us know in the comments below!