Microsoft testing $399 disc-less XBox One

[dlevere]

By Ben Parfitt


A disc-less white version of the Xbox One is currently in testing at Microsoft, it is being claimed.

The Verge has verified claims made on NeoGaf that the platform holder is testing a $399 digital-only version of the console, although “it's unclear if [it] will make it to market.

While the disc-less claim has been seconded, the leaker also made a host of other claims, the merit of which you can decide for yourself:

* Crackdown 3 due in 2016, with news unlikely to be released this year

* Halo Anniversary 2 will be 1080p but 60 fps support is “iffy” and will include Halo 5 beta access

* Forza Horizon scheduled for this autumn with “super sexy weather system” and “1080p open-world”

* Sunset Overdrive and Quantum Break also due this autumn

* White Xbox One and Titanfall Limited Edition hardware SKUs incoming

* Gears of War not expected to release until late 2016

[lee4]

too bad the kinect itself isnt white as console and controller are.

they really going to release a disc-less model.
(they like shooting at their own foot)

also part of these rumors an 1TB model is in the planned.

[dlevere]

More claims point to cheaper XBox One SKU in 2014

By Ben Parfitt

New voices have added to the claims that Microsoft will this year release a cheaper version of the Xbox One.

As part of a leak yesterday it was claimed that Microsoft is readying a $399 Xbox One that could ship without an optical disc drive. That represents a $100 saving on the SKU currently available in the US.

Now VG247 reckons it has word from “a well-respected source” that “Microsoft has told trusted publishing partners that it will release a new model Xbox One before the end of the year”.

It adds that this new SKU will replace the current model, and not sell alongside it.

CVG says it has received confirmation, too.

Note, though, that so far no other sources have backed up the claim that the new model will ditch discs. Indeed, Michael Pachter has come out and said he doesn’t believe that particular claim.