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Report: Disc-Less Xbox One S Bundles 3 Games, Arrives May 7

The latest leaked details suggest this will be the cheapest Xbox One available as well as shipping with 3 games and a 1TB hard drive. But do gamers want a digital-only system?

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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Earlier this month it was suggested that a disc-less Xbox One S was set to launch at some point in May carrying the name "Xbox One S All-Digital Edition," but beyond that little was known. Today, a few more key details have emerged along with a release date, albeit these are still just rumors.

As Windows Central reports, the expected launch date for the disc-less Xbox is thought to be May 7, with the official unveiling most likely happening in mid-April using Inside Xbox to cover the details. The look of the console hasn't changed much, with the same white and black casing just minus the disc drive and the eject button on the front.

The price of the All-Digital Edition is expected to be the lowest of all available Xbox consoles, which is how it should be seeing as you are blocked from playing physical games. However, to sweeten the deal Microsoft is thought to be including a 1TB hard drive and bundling three digital games with the machine, which are Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft. The games won't be preinstalled, rather there will be codes included in the box allowing for a free download. There's no sign of Xbox Game Pass being included somehow or discounted, but that may still happen.

We should also expect this new console to sit alongside the existing Xbox One S and Xbox One X to round-out Microsoft's line-up. The All-Digital Edition is thought to be viewed internally as a way of attracting "newcomers to the ecosystem."

Sony's PSP Go proved gamers weren't ready for a digital-only handheld in 2009, then Microsoft's suggestion before the launch in 2013 that Xbox One games would require an internet connection (once every 24 hours) to keep functioning wasn't received well. Now Microsoft is preparing to launch an Xbox without a disc drive to see if gamers are now ready for a disc-less console reliant on the internet. Are they?

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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