When Microsoft shipped the original Xbox One in November 2013, they envisioned an all-in-one living room entertainment hub. It shipped with a massive footprint, a bulky external power brick, and a heavy emphasis on television integration paired with the bundled Kinect sensor. Less than three years later, the launch of the Xbox One S completely shifted that philosophy. Microsoft stripped away the bloat, internalised the power supply, and refocused the hardware entirely on compact efficiency and media playback.
The Xbox One S wasn't just a cosmetic makeover; it was a structural correction. While the original console measured a sprawling 13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches and weighed nearly 7.9 pounds, the Slim model shrank down to 11.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 inches and shed over a pound of weight. Understanding this hardware transition reveals how mid-generation console refreshes solve early design mistakes and stretch the life of an existing generation.
The Physical Evolution: Size, Power, and Port Design
The most immediate shock when moving from the original console to the Slim variant is the physical footprint. Microsoft managed to shrink the overall volume by roughly 40 percent without sacrificing core processing capability.
The engineering feat went deeper than just cutting plastic. The original Xbox One required a massive external power supply block that gamers affectionately dubbed the "brick." The Xbox One S integrated that power supply directly inside the chassis. Plug it straight into a standard wall outlet with a simple figure-eight cable. Further information into this topic are detailed by Associated Press.
Front-panel ergonomics also saw a total overhaul. The original model used capacitive touch-sensitive buttons for power and disc ejection, which led to accidental shutdowns caused by stray pets or dusting cloth brushes. The Xbox One S replaced these with physical, tactile buttons. Microsoft also relocated the controller pairing sync button and added a front-facing USB 3.0 port alongside an internal infrared blaster.
Perhaps most notably for home theater setups, the specialized proprietary Kinect port found on the back of the original console vanished entirely. Gamers wishing to use a Kinect sensor on the S model required a separate USB adapter, signaling Microsoft's quiet retreat from mandatory motion controls. For context on broader hardware lifecycles, you can review details on Wikipedia.
Graphics, 4K Media, and HDR Implementation
Under the hood, the internal architecture received a minor bump to accommodate new display standards. The original console locked its video output to a maximum of 1080p for games and media, utilizing an older HDMI 1.4a specification.
The Xbox One S upgraded to an HDMI 2.0a port, introducing full support for 4K video output and High Dynamic Range (HDR). It's worth clearing up a common misconception here: the Xbox One S does not render modern 3D video games natively in 4K resolution. Instead, it handles 4K video streaming (via apps like Netflix) and features a built-in Ultra HD Blu-ray disc player—a feature notably absent from competing hardware of that era.
For games, the GPU clock speed received a minor lift from 853MHz to 914MHz, yielding a slight performance ceiling boost. While standard titles ran identically, games utilizing dynamic resolution scaling or unlocked frame rates occasionally maintained smoother performance on the Slim model, netting small frame-rate improvements in specific titles. More importantly, the inclusion of HDR10 allowed supported games like Forza Horizon 3 to display deeper contrast ratios, wider color gamuts, and more vibrant lighting. You can read official technical deep-dives into these display standards via Xbox Wire.
Controller Redesigns and Peripheral Compatibility
Hardware leaps rarely stop at the console box. The Xbox One S debuted alongside a revised iteration of the standard wireless controller.
- Textured Grips: The back grips featured a micro-patterned texture for improved handling during long gaming sessions.
- Bluetooth Integration: While original controllers relied on a proprietary wireless protocol requiring a USB adapter for PC use, the new revision added native Bluetooth support for Windows devices.
- Wireless Range: Internal antenna tweaks improved overall signal reliability and maximum range relative to launch-era controllers.
Backward and forward compatibility remained entirely intact. Every game, headset, and accessory designed for the original console worked seamlessly on the Slim, and vice versa.
Side-by-Side Hardware Specifications
| Feature | Original Xbox One (2013) | Xbox One S (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.1 x 10.8 x 3.1 inches | 11.6 x 8.9 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 pounds | 6.4 pounds |
| Power Supply | External power brick | Internal power supply |
| Max Game Resolution | 1080p | 1080p (with 4K upscaling) |
| Media Playback | Standard Blu-ray / DVD | 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray |
| HDR Support | None | HDR10 for games and video |
| Kinect Port | Dedicated proprietary port | Removed (Requires USB adapter) |
| Orientation | Horizontal only | Horizontal or Vertical |
Common Mistakes When Comparing the Models
Buyers and retro-enthusiasts often stumble into a few traps when evaluating these two machines today.
First, don't confuse the Xbox One S with the digital-only variant or later generational hardware. The standard One S includes a physical disc drive, whereas the later Xbox One S All-Digital Edition traded the optical drive for a lower price tag.
Second, don't expect native 4K gaming performance. Gamers sometimes assume that because a console plugs into a 4K television and plays 4K movies, it renders complex 3D titles at 3840x2160 resolution. Heavy native 4K gaming didn't materialize in this family until the arrival of the beefier Xbox One X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the original Xbox One play 4K Blu-ray discs?
No. The original console's optical drive and HDMI 1.4 port lack the hardware specifications required for Ultra HD Blu-ray playback. Only the Xbox One S and Xbox One X support physical 4K media discs.
Do original Xbox One games look better on the Slim?
Games that feature dynamic resolution scaling or variable frame rates may run slightly smoother or hold their maximum target resolution more consistently due to the minor GPU clock boost. Otherwise, standard visual assets remain identical unless the game explicitly patches in HDR support.
Is a special stand required to place the Xbox One S vertically?
The console can stand upright on its side without assistance, but Microsoft sold an official vertical stabilizing stand separately to prevent accidental tipping, as the base width is relatively narrow.
Can you still plug a Kinect into an Xbox One S?
Not directly. Because Microsoft removed the dedicated proprietary Kinect port from the back of the chassis, you need a specialized USB adapter kit—which Microsoft offered to existing users for a limited time after launch—to connect the sensor to a USB 3.0 port.
