Thinking about trading in your Xbox One for the new model? Here's what to consider
There's a new Xbox One! It's smaller (by 40%) and prettier than ever. It's called the Xbox One S.
But there's an issue: You already own an Xbox One.
Is this new one worth your time and money?
"Probably not" is the short answer here, and Microsoft would tell you the same thing.
The Xbox One S isn't a meaningful upgrade to the original Xbox One if you've already got one.
It's not intended as a "successor" to the original Xbox One in the way that the iPhone 6 is a successor to the iPhone 5, or even in the way that the iPhone 5S was a successor to the iPhone 5. Think of the original Xbox One as an iPhone 6 Plus, and this is the regular iPhone 6. Same great device, smaller form factor.
Is it prettier? Yes. Is it smaller? Sure is. Can it be stood up vertically? You bet (with a $20 optional stand - ugh).
But unless you're way into watching 4K/UltraHD movies (and also own a 4K/UltraHD television), there isn't any new functionality worth buying into. There are no games that will only run on the Xbox One S, no experiences you can have that can only be had there.
Perhaps you really like the new Xbox One S gamepad, which has rubberized grips and Bluetooth connectivity (making it easy to use with PCs)? You can totally buy that separately, and it will work with your original Xbox One.
Or maybe you were sold on the HDR gaming, and you've got an HDR-enabled TV? Only two games support this feature thus far - "Gears of War 4" and "Forza Horizon 3" - and we don't expect it to go wide anytime soon. Unless Microsoft pays developers to add it to their games, there's little incentive to bother.
Of course, if you just really like how it looks and are feeling ready for an upgrade, the Xbox One S is a good deal at just $299. That's $50 less than a PlayStation 4, and it's a brand new console. Also, yeah, it's a hell of a looker.
So no, you certainly don't need to trade-in your old Xbox One for a One S. But it is mighty pretty.