Xbox One is Microsoft’s latest iteration of their Xbox brand. Following in the footsteps of the Xbox and Xbox 360, Xbox One features the same heavy hitters such as Forza, Halo and Gears of War and have introduced a few more with their newest console such as Quantum Break and Rare Replay. The console has a growing list of backwards compatible games that features some old favorites like Red Dead Redemption and Mass Effect.
The launch of the Xbox One S is 40 percent smaller than its predecessor and takes advantage of newer technology like high dynamic range and 4K blu-rays and video streaming. Xbox’s lineup is stronger than it has ever been as it prepares for Project Scorpio coming later this year.
The Xbox One is likely a console you look at if you’re a fan of shooters. The console has Battlefield, Call of Duty, Titanfall, Star Wars Battlefront and Borderlands along with console exclusives like Halo and Gears of War. It’s hard to go wrong with getting an Xbox One if you’re fans of those games. The Master Chief Collection brings Halo 1-4 onto the Xbox One making every main series Halo game available on the console natively or through backwards compatibility. The Gears of War series is also available through backwards compatibility to go along with Gear of War 4.
Xbox One features EA Access which gives gamers full access to select EA games like Battlefield 4 or Madden 17 for $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year. Free trials of games are available too, subscribers can try out games like Mass Effect Andromeda before actually buying it. The progress made in trials carries over to the full game if you choose to buy it. Members will receive a 10 percent discount on EA digital purchases made on the console. You can sign up right here or on the console if this interests you.
The Xbox One is the only current-gen console offering backwards compatibility. Over 300 games are offered through the program and this comes free of charge for Xbox One owners, all you have to do is buy the game and it’s available on your console. Gamers will be able to enjoy the Mass Effect trilogy or Grand Theft Auto IV again or for the first time if they missed them the first time around. The list grows every week and works for disc and digital titles. If you already owned the game digitally, it will appear in your downloads.
Another strong feature of an Xbox One is the fact that it can be an alternative to cable. You don’t need a cable box to enjoy TV and movies if you have an Xbox One. It supports a wide variety of video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, HBO Go and ESPN. Of course, you’ll have to pay for access to these services but Xbox One offers the apps. A full list of these apps are available right here to look at.
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Games with Gold is a way for current Xbox Live Gold members to get “free” games. Games become available each month if you’re a subscriber and you get to enjoy these games as long as you’re an Xbox Live Gold subscriber. The only way to play online is to be a subscriber so this will be a bonus on top of your subscription.
The console is now more affordable than ever, starting off at a price of $300. You can choose from a bundle that features a game you like and you can even get a limited edition console. If you’re looking into buying a new console, Xbox One is a strong option to choose.