Everything We Know About The Xbox One

By Rob Boggan

Yesterday was a pretty big day for Microsoft as they officially unveiled their next-gen gaming system, the Xbox One. The Xbox One announcement comes almost a full 3 month after Sony fired the first shots of the next-gen console wars, and there was plenty of info to digest. Most notably, we actually got to see what the system will look like well ahead of next month’s E3, along with some explanation of system hardware and functionality. We’re going to dive into that and more with our recap of the Xbox One announcement.

Microsoft has been looked at as a leader in the gaming console space when it comes to hardware. Let’s face it, even with the RLOD issue that has plagued many-a-gamer, the Xbox is still chosen over the Playstation almost 4 to 1 thanks to its popular hardware, in addition to a stellar game library. As far as what’s on board, Microsoft and chip set maker AMD teamed together to make a custom 8-core CPU on which the One runs. There’s also 8GB of RAM, a 500GB hard-drive, along with USB 3.0 ports, an 802.11n wifi adapter built into the system. In addition to all that goodness, Microsoft has also included both an HDMI In, and HDMI Out port, which will allow your console to double as a set-top box, working in conjunction with the receiver from your cable or satellite provider.

The Xbox’s iconic game controller hasn’t been changed much, but still received a much needed refresh along with some new tech inside to bring it up to snuff with the next-gen capabilities of the Xbox One. Microsoft opted to make the controller more ergonomic for all those gaming hours you’ll be putting in, along with new vibrating triggers. There’s also an improved D-pad, better analog sticks, and a battery compartment. The Kinect kit will now come included with all Xbox One systems and brings with it most of the centralized features of the system. Microsoft really drank the Kool-Aid last time around with the success of the original Kinect Sensor, and this time around they seem to be doubling up on the popular peripheral. For starters, the Kinect sensor essentially aims to make your system as hands-free as possible, while enhancing your gaming experience as well. There will be a huge focus on voice commands that will allow users to turn the system on or off, launch Internet Explorer, or perform tons of other functions all using your voice.

On the inside is where the meat and gravy lies. One HUGE elephant in the room is the fact that at the core of the next Xbox lies Windows 8. Windows 8 has been met with both praise and hatred, with the latter being most common. With that being said, gamers will have to wrap their head around this premise really, really fast: the Xbox One isn’t really a game console. It’s a media hub. That’s why it’s there, that’s what it’ll be used for. Microsoft made no bones about this aspect during the big reveal, and even announced a partnership with the NFL that will allow a customizable experience around game broadcasts. There’s also the Skype integration, which will allow users to make video calls, start group chat sessions, and even Skype while playing a game.

Games. That’s what everyone is here for right? What’s Microsoft and Xbox One bringing to the table when it comes to games? Let’s get this out of the way right now: the Xbox One will not be backwards compatible. None of your old controllers, headsets, or Kinect Sensors will work, and neither will any of your games. Games themselves will require an installation, so once you purchase a game, you pop the disc into the system, it installs the game software and viola, you’ll no longer need the disc. If you plan on letting a couple of your buddies borrow your game disc for a little freebie install, think again. Microsoft has stated that there will be a fee for pre owned games, and they made no mention of how much that fee will be.  Microsoft did say there will be a slew of Xbox exclusives headed to the One, including the intriguing Quantum Break. Essentially, it’s TV show within a game, in which the show provides clues, or hints, as to what your objectives will be for a particular mission in the video game will be. Sounds confusing? Yeah…. we know. Oh look, a trailer!

Microsoft also announced the upcoming Forza Motorsport, which will go head-to-head with Sony’s upcoming Gran Turismo title, and about 13 other titles that will be headed to the console. One thing that Microsoft and gang was very mum about was the question of whether or not users will be required to always be online. There has been a ton of speculation surrounding this subject in particular, and Microsoft has expertly danced around it.

That’s about all we know as things stand right now, but one thing’s for sure; next months E3 just got a whole lot more interesting.