After several rumors and leaks about their impending announcement, Microsoft has officially revealed its new 1TB version of its Xbox One console alongside a new wireless controller featuring a 3.5mm headset jack.
As unveiled by Microsoft's official Xbox Wire website, the 1TB console will feature a matte finish and cost $399, an increase of $50 from the standard 500GB console. Larry Hryb, better known as Microsoft's "Major Nelson," says the console "will be permanent in the United States and select regions," unlike the recently announced white Xbox One and Halo bundle.
While the console is permanent, however, Microsoft will also include a digital copy of "Halo: The Master Chief Collection" with it for a limited time and "in select regions," though the company didn't provide a deadline for the offer.
In addition to the increased storage, the new Xbox One console will also come with a modified controller that features a 3.5mm headset jack, meaning gamers will no longer have to buy an additional peripheral to use their third-party headsets. The new jack is located to the left of the existing input for Microsoft's first-party headset, meaning both it and third-party headsets will work with the new controller. Since third-party controllers don't necessarily have built-in buttons to adjust volume, new options will be available in the Xbox One's settings to change it and mic-related features.
Hryb adds that Microsoft has "fined-tuned the bumpers and enabled wireless firmware updates on the controller," so controllers will no longer have to be plugged into a USB outlet for updates.
For PC gamers, Microsoft is also introducing a wireless adapter that will allow them to use the new or current Xbox One controller without having to plug it directly into a USB port. The adapter will cost $25 on its own or $80 when bundled with a wireless controller.
Microsoft will ship the 1TB console to retailers beginning on June 16 in the U.S., while other markets will begin receiving the console later this month. A specific release date for the new controller and wireless adapter have not been announced, though they will presumably be available in a similar time frame.
Source: Xbox Wire, Major Nelson
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