The Xbox One S is scheduled to launch next week, bringing with it a hefty 2TB storage capacity and finally putting the “Xbox One looks like a VCR” jokes to rest. But at $400, the package certainly isn’t something you’d buy on a whim. Luckily, if you’re willing to wait just a few more weeks, less expensive bundles are on their way.
On August 23, both the 500GB and 1TB versions of the Xbox One S will be available, starting at $299. The cheaper of the two bundles is the “Halo Collection” package, which includes Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo 5: Guardians as a download and disc, respectively. Oddly, this bundle includes the 500GB hard drive — with the content updates both of these games have received since they launched, they will take up nearly half of a user’s storage space right off the bat. Microsoft says that there will also be a 1TB version of the system, but at least in the United States, it will only be available directly from Microsoft and in “very limited quantities.”
For those looking for a bit more storage space, the Madden NFL 17 bundle might be the better choice. For $350, the set includes the game, a 1TB hard drive, Madden Ultimate Team Pro packs, and a free month of EA Access. EA Access should be a great introduction to the console, as you’ll have access to several of the publisher’s biggest games from the last few years, including Titanfall and Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Microsoft is certainly making a good case for players to finally pick up an Xbox One this year. Just a few weeks after the new systems launch, the Keiji Inafune and Armature project ReCore hits shelves, followed by Forza Horizon 3 and Gears of War 4.
