The big-ticket item is 4K support. That doesn't mean that you'll be able to play games in crazy high-res, but if you have a fancy TV it'll provide plenty of options to watch content at 4K. In addition to supporting 4K versions of Netflix and Amazon Video content, there's also 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray support. The new console also supports HDR sets, and Gear of War 4 will be the first to support the wider color range.

The Xbox One, as attractive or unattractive as you think it is, is undoubtedly a large machine, especially compared with its main rival, the PlayStation 4. The Xbox One S is 40-percent smaller and can be safely used vertically with an official stand. Elsewhere there's an integrated power supply, meaning no more brick, and the option to include a more capacious 2TB hard drive. It's also mostly white -- a colorway Microsoft debuted for the original Xbox One.

Other changes include a USB port in the front for easy access and the dropping of the Kinect port -- there'll be a USB adapter if you want to plug in Microsoft's unloved camera accessory to the new machine. Oh, and there's a new controller! It has textured grips, improved range and Bluetooth for easy connection to a PC or laptop without adapters. It'll be bundled with the new console, but you'll also be able to buy it separately.

The Xbox One S launches this August. The 2TB version (called the "launch edition") will set you back $399, and it'll be followed by a $299 500GB version and a 1TB version at $349. There are already pre-order links on Amazon, which list a December release date for the 1TB and 500GB versions.