For the most part, video game consoles stay relatively the same throughout their life cycles. While gaming PCs are usually built piece-by-piece and parts are updated regularly, the hardware inside a gaming console tends to stay the same. It's the cost of simplicity: many gamers believe that console gaming is generally easier and a more consistent experience, but sacrifices the modular nature and flexibility of PC gaming.

That's not to say that the console you buy on day one is the exact same as a model released five years later. Publishers will typically release a number of different SKUs throughout the years: for instance, the PlayStation 3 Slim is only half the size of the original model. The internal hardware is basically the same; it's just in a more efficient package.

Aside from a few bundles, the current console generation has yet to see any updated models hit the market. It's still relatively early-on in the new hardware's lifespan, true - but there are definitely some improvements that gamers have been asking for. If the rumors are true, Microsoft has been listening: a new Amazon listing (via Kotaku) suggests than an updated model of the Xbox One is on its way.

The Amazon listing in question details a number of updates heading to Microsoft's console: the most notable is the upgraded storage space, as the Xbox One now features a 1TB hard drive instead of the standard 500GB. A new model of the system's controller will also be included, and features a standard 3.5mm headphone jack - meaning that gamers will finally be able to use their own headsets instead of Microsoft's proprietary model.

There's no mention of a Kinect unit being included in the bundle, but given the $400 price tag, that makes sense (Kinect bundles typically cost $500). There's also no word on any games being included, but given how many different bundles are already available for the system, it's not crazy to imagine that something getting packed in with the console.

All things considered, it's not all that surprising: it's likely that Microsoft was simply waiting for its upcoming E3 press conference to announce the new SKU...but it looks like Amazon jumped the gun. Of course, nothing's official until Microsoft gives the word...but you can probably expect to see a new version of the Xbox One hitting store shelves sooner rather than later.


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