Microsoft announced Tuesday that a new Xbox One console with 1TB of storage and a wireless controller is headed to stores near you on June 16. The shipping date is not just any day, as the new console will roll out on the first day of the E3 gaming conference. Microsoft’s new wireless controller was first spotted in an Xbox One bundle on the Australian version of the Microsoft Store last week.
The new 1TB Xbox One will sell for $400 and feature a new matte-black finish. The 1TB pricing also means the 500GB console, which first sold for $400, is now permanently priced at $350.
For a limited time, Microsoft’s 1TB console will be bundled with a wireless controller, headset, and the Halo Master Chief Collection for $400.
The New Xbox One wireless controller with camouflage design.
For those who already have a console and just want the wireless controller, it’ll sell separately starting June 16 as well. The controller is available online for pre-order for $65 in either black or a silver-and-black camouflage design.
Anyone who likes a little PC gaming with their Xbox controller can pick up a $25 adapter this fall to use the wireless controller with Windows 10. There will also be a wireless controller and adapter bundle for $80.
As expected, the wireless controller includes a standard stereo headphone jack for use with a headset. It will also receive updates over the air, so no need to plug in the controller via USB to update the firmware.
Why this matters: Adding a 1TB Xbox One option was sorely needed for anyone who makes daily use of their console. Although 500GB sounds like a lot of storage, it’s really a pittance when you consider that most games require a minimum of 50GB of space just to start playing. A larger internal drive is also more convenient than hooking up an external one to maximize your storage.
Sony is also expected to release a 1TB PlayStation 4 in the coming days, but pricing is unknown. If we don’t hear anything about it this week, Sony will likely announce the 1TB console during E3.
Be sure to check out PCWorld’s E3 coverage starting June 14. At this year’s show we expect to see a whole lot of VR with Oculus Rift leading the pack, and E3 is finally giving PC gaming its due.