According to a rumor from earlier this year, it was suggested that Microsoft could be working on a disc-less version of the Xbox. It was unclear at that time whether this could be an Xbox of the next-generation, or simply a variant of the Xbox One. It was later followed up with another rumor that claimed that it would be the Xbox One S and that it might launch on the 7th of May.
It turns out the rumors were true because Microsoft has since officially announced that the disc-less Xbox One S will indeed be launching on the 7th of May where it will cost gamers $250. This version of the Xbox One S will be completely identical to the current Xbox One S, except that it will not sport an optical drive.
It will feature the same hardware and a 1TB hard drive, and gamers will have to buy all their games digitally. According to Jeff Gattis, Microsoft’s general manager of platform and devices marketing, “We think of the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition as an option that caters to audiences who prefer to find and play their games digitally. We’re not looking to push customers toward digital; it’s about meeting the needs of customers that are digital natives that prefer digital-based media and providing value with the most affordable Xbox One console.”
At the moment the Xbox One S is priced at $300, which means that if you don’t mind all your game purchases to be made digitally, you will be able to save yourself $50 with the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.