It appears Microsoft is ready to dive into the all digital future of video games. Late last year, it was reported Microsoft had a disc-less version of the Xbox One in the works. Now, Windows Central reports that Microsoft is planning to officially release the digital only console this May with preorders set to become available in April.
Internally known at Microsoft as the Xbox “Maverick,” the console will release as the Xbox One S All Digital Edition to the public. Windows Central also suggests that the company is planning for a near simultaneous release of the console in all Xbox markets across the globe.
This will be the first major digital only home console, and makes sense for Microsoft to release as it goes hand in hand with how hard the company has been pushing their Netflix like game streaming service Xbox Game Pass. This Xbox One S All Digital Edition seems to be aimed to be the cheapest console on the market. However, no price has been reported for the digital only console, but could come in as low as $200 or less. Along with new digital only console, Windows Central states that the company is teaming with Epic Games to release a custom Fortnite themed console at some point.
It is currently unknown if the reported next generation Xbox “Lockhart” and Xbox “Anaconda” will follow this model of having no disc drive. However, Microsoft seems to be doubling down on the idea of digital and streaming future of video games. Last year, the company announced the Project xCloud streaming service that will allow for Xbox games to be streamed to any device. The company is reportedly planning to bring its online service, Xbox Live, to new devices including Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices. Microsoft is also reportedly planning to bring Xbox Game Pass to Nintendo Switch at some point.