Latest Update: 5/21, 4:33 PDT to reflect a change regarding used games and fixing a numerical error regarding Xbox Live.
For years, the only thing that we’ve known about the next console from Microsoft was the code name: Durango. Other than that, all we’ve heard were rumors and speculation (some of which were more disconcerting than others). Today, we can say that most of those rumors and speculations are resolved with the reveal of the Xbox One.
Xbox One Specs:
Processor and Graphics
- Heavily customized AMD chip
- 8 core x86 CPU
- GPU designed for DirectX 11.1
System Memory
- 8GB GDDR3 RAM
Audio and Video
- 1080p resolution
- 4K resolution
- 7.1 Surround Sound
Media
- Blu-ray/DVD combo drive
Storage
- 500 GB HDD (unknown speed)
Connectivity
- HDMI 1.4
- USB 3.0
- Ethernet
- 802.11n radios to communicate to the controller
Xbox One Controller:
The controller for the Xbox One is very similar to the Xbox 360 controller. However, there will be some differences between the two, including being more ergonomic and having a newly designed D-Pad.
Kinect 2.0:
Kinect will be redesigned for Xbox One. The camera in the new Kinect will be in 1080p, enlarging the field by about 60%. People (particularly tall people) who have tried it out have been able to get as close as 3 feet and still be able to fully show up.
Games:
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Wanting to save most of their reveals for E3, Microsoft revealed only a few games for the system. However, they did reveal that there will be up to 15 exclusives for launch, with 8 being new IPs. Here’s what’s confirmed to be coming:
- Quantum Break
- Forza Motorsport 5
- FIFA, NBA Live, UFC, and Madden from EA Sports
- Call of Duty: Ghosts from Activision
It was also confirmed afterwards by Ubisoft that Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag will be coming to Xbox One.
Also, if you have questions about backwards compatibility, “always on” gaming, and used games, here is what we are currently hearing:
- We are currently hearing that the Xbox One will not feature backwards compatibility.
- Always on DRM for the console as a whole has been denied and left up to publishers. However, they have said that they would like to push towards that.
- Initial reports from Wired stated that used games would be blocked with a fee for people that activate a game on a second account. While the initial report was amended quickly to deny that it will block games, it wasn’t until much later when an Xbox Support twitter feed confirmed that NO FEE would be instituted. In a later post from “Major Nelson” of Xbox Live, while not talking about used game fees, he denies that the system will block used games. He also states that you’ll be able to play a game at a friends house by logging into your profile. Therefore… I have no idea what is going on…
- In addition, an editor for T3 has reported via twitter that the license for a game will transfer in a cloud service once you sell the game and another person activates it.
Intelligent TV:
A new feature is Intelligent TV. With this, users can switch between games, music, movies, and television instantly with your voice.
Xbox Live:
Xbox Live will return to the Xbox One. The service will be powered by over 300,000 servers and allow for finding competitors on your level for one game while playing something else.
Halo: The Television Series:
A Halo series will be developed for Xbox Live. The series will be produced by Oscar winner Steven Spielberg.
And that is it, ladies and gentlemen. The Xbox One has been unveiled. Are you excited for it? Do you care less about the new system? Let us know in the comments.
This will be updated live periodically as more information comes in.
