Microsoft unveils SSHD-equipped Xbox One Elite

September 1, 2015 | 12:07

Tags: #console #console-gaming #games-console #sshd #xbox-one #xbox-one-elite

Companies: #microsoft

Microsoft has announced a new Xbox One bundle featuring a redesigned Elite controller and a 1TB solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD) as it continues to lose ground to rival Sony's PlayStation 4.

Launched at roughly the same time as the Sony PS4, Microsoft's Xbox One has struggled against the rival machine. Early missteps by the company, including the requirement for an always-on internet connection for the console's digital rights management (DRM) and a higher retail price thanks to the quickly-reversed bundling of the 'must-have' Kinect camera system, resulted in bad feelings from consumers even before the console hit shelves. Since then Microsoft's device has been shown to be less powerful than its rival resulting in lower resolution and framerates for many cross-platform titles, something the company is hoping will be resolved as developers learn to exploit the 32MB ESRAM unique to the console and the cloud computing integration long-promised.

For the consumer side, Microsoft is looking to boost sales with a new bundle dubbed the Xbox One Elite. As the name suggests, the Elite pack includes the new Elite controller, a redesigned higher-grade gamepad featuring easily-changeable triggers with 'Hair Trigger Locks' and a new larger D-pad. That's not the only change, though, with the console itself enjoying an upgrade to a 1TB solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD) Microsoft claims will boost boot and game load times by up to 20 per cent. The company has not, however, indicated the size of flash module featured on the SSHD.

The bundle is set to launch in North America first, priced at $499.99 with the Elite controller available separately for $149.99. UK pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.
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