Microsoft has released a new Xbox, although it's not exactly a new console. The Xbox One S is a subtle upgrade to the existing Xbox One , rather than a proper successor. Don't be fooled, though, because it has more than a few surprises in store.

Smaller than Xbox One; 4K game upscaling; It's a cheap UHD Blu-ray player; HDR compatible; Improved; grippy controller

Not native 4K in games

The ultimate question to ask about the Xbox One S is not whether it can do the job - it can - it's whether or not it's worth buying. And that depends on what camp you fall into. If you're a serious gamer that already has an Xbox (or a PS4 for that matter) then there's really no point.

M icrosoft's revamped Xbox One occupies a curious space in the current gaming generation. It's not because it's a sleeker take on the original bulky hardware – slimline consoles are nothing new, after all.

The Xbox One was built with a specific vision in mind, and it was one that included a whole lot more than games. From streaming videos to dollops of motion sensing in the form of Kinect, it aimed to be the centre of your living room - much like Microsoft envisioned the original Xbox to be, when it...

Gorgeous industrial design; Sweet form factor; No power brick; Whisper quiet

Gorgeous industrial design; Sweet form factor; No power brick; Whisper quiet; Not available officially yet; Robot white is easy to smudge; OS concerns still persist

Who says you can't teach an old console new tricks? The Xbox One S is a much-needed refresh that sheds the glossy bulk from the original, revealing a sleeker, slimmer design that will look right at home in your living room.

Lighter; sleeker chassis; Available with 2TB of storage; Can stream 4K content; HDR support for videos and games; Smartly redesigned controller

Can't play games in 4K

The Xbox worked the first time I used it. Now every time I press the power button, it will turn on for a few seconds, then automatically shuts down.

If your TV is compatible with the 4K system, it will automatically switch over. The man is a PlayStation guy so the Xbox controllers are a challenge (completely different feel). He wanted the Forza game but they don't have it for the PS4 (the main reason he bought the system).

While the Xbox One S is an amazing console, it just doesn't have a place, as it's such an incremental improvement. You should probably wait for Scorpio to get bigger changes.

As an entry-level console, the Xbox One S comes jam packed with great features and offers a smooth user experience. It is well worth considering if you are looking for something to spin Ultra HD Blu-rays and haven't taken the plunge yet.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray support with HDR; 4K Netflix and Amazon Video playback; 1080p HDR gaming; Great wireless controller; No power brick

Doesn't give you 4K gaming; Slightly slower in operation to its beefier One X sibling

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