Smaller, 4K-ready Xbox One S finally has a launch date

Microsoft's new smaller and sleeker Xbox One S finally has a release date: Aug. 2.

Announced at E3 in June, the Xbox One S is Microsoft's most compact Xbox game console yet. Starting at $299 with a 500GB hard drive, the Xbox One S is 40% smaller than the Xbox One, supports 4K UHD resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range) videos.

Even if a game wasn't made for 4K, the Xbox One S can upscale to 4K resolution, Xbox boss Phil Spencer An Xbox first: The power supply is built into the console. The console also stands vertically (yes!).

The smaller console will also be available with 1TB of hard drive storage for $349 and with 2TB for $399.99 (this one launches later on Aug. 31). 

If white isn't your color and you prefer something a grittier and bloodier, Microsoft's also releasing a limited edition Gears of War 4 Xbox One S bundlewith a 2TB hard drive; pre-orders start on Aug. 1 at $449.99 with shipping in mid-September.

In addition the snazzier design, the console also includes a streamlined Xbox One controller for better grip and improved wireless range and Bluetooth connectivity support for use with PCs running Windows 10 with the Anniversary Update).

The Xbox One S is, of course, merely a minor update until the more powerful Xbox "Scorpio" console, which will be able to deliver 6 teraflops of processing power from its graphics processor, launches next year.