Recently, we received product photographs of the upcoming Xbox "Maverick" disc-less console's box, which will be called Xbox One S All-Digital edition, in addition to a bit of additional context on how Microsoft plans to position the device.
Update April 13, 2019: It looks like we now also have the price point of the disc-less All-Digital Edition.
Initially revealed by Brad Sams at Thurrott.com, "Maverick" is the codename of an upcoming Xbox One S model that has no disc drive. Instead, this console will be entirely digital. Recently, we revealed that it will have a mid-April debut, likely at Inside Xbox, with an early-mid May launch window. Additional documents we received indicate that this launch date could be May 7, 2019, with all existing Xbox markets targeted in a global simultaneous release.
- Related: The hidden cost of all-digital gaming
- Related: Disc-less Xbox is a natural progression for Microsoft
What we know about Xbox One S All-Digital
The design of the Xbox One S All-Digital appears to be virtually identical to the current Xbox One S, without the disc drive and eject button. The product shots we received seem to indicate that it will come with a 1TB HDD and with Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft digital codes bundled into the box. It doesn't look as though it will be bundled with Microsoft's Netflix-like subscription service for games, Xbox Game Pass. Alongside this Xbox One S, we've heard Microsoft is working on a Fortnite Edition purple Xbox One S as well, but we're unsure if that will be a discless SKU or not at this time.
Our information suggests that the Xbox One S All-Digital edition will have the lowest recommended retail price (RRP) of all current Xbox One consoles, aimed at newcomers to the ecosystem, although the exact pricing is unknown at this time.
It seems that Microsoft is keen to position the All-Digital edition as a member of the Xbox One family rather than a replacement to the Blu-ray disc-based version it currently offers with the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. As such, it doesn't sound as though Microsoft is ready to ditch discs entirely, as it gears up to hit the next gen with the long-rumored Xbox "Scarlett" consoles, codenamed "Lockhart" and "Anaconda."
Related: 12 essential Xbox One accessories under $20
As with all rumors of this type take it with a pinch of salt until the official announcement, as plans can and often do change. But it seems pretty likely we'll be hearing more about the Xbox One S All-Digital console very soon.
Low-cost gaming (with the disc drive)
With Xbox One S All-Digital Edition yet to come, Microsoft's existing Xbox One S is the best budget buy. Packing 4K video playback and HDR gaming, it's ideal for entry-level gaming.
