Xbox One E3 News: Microsoft Unveiling 'Slim' Console In June, More Powerful Unit 'Scorpio' In 2017

Microsoft is expected to announce a new Xbox One console during its E3 presentation, but the company is said to also be planning another more powerful console reveal in 2017. For now, these consoles are known as the Xbox One Slim and the Xbox One Scorpio. What's the difference between the units and why is the gaming company planning two new consoles?

Kotaku is first to break news about the Xbox One consoles and reports that the Xbox One Slim is going to be in stores later in the year. It will be a smaller, thinner and cheaper version of the original unit. It will cut the bulky and boxy form of the first Xbox One to at least 40 percent.

Despite no confirmation from Microsoft, details to the Xbox One Slim have been coming out since April, per Parent Herald. Reports say that the unit might have the same size as the Wii and would weigh at least 600-800g. It will carry a 2TB hard drive.

On the other hand, the Xbox One Scorpio is said to be twice as powerful as the PS4 upgrade that Sony, Microsoft's competitor, is planning. Forbes cites that the more powerful machine that can support Oculus Rift's virtual reality features will have 6 teraflops. The PS4.5 or PS4 NEO has only 4.14 teraflops. The Xbox One Scorpio might even more powerful than PCs.

Lots of creative chatter today. Excited to share our gaming story at E3 on June 13th https://t.co/QjGUkH1Ofx....

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) May 25, 2016

Microsoft is expected to make announcements about the new Xbox One consoles, or at least the slim version, at the E3 in Los Angeles this June. Then it might unveil the Scorpio at next year's event. The timing is supposed to match the launch of Sony's PS 4 Neo.

CNBC states that releasing two types of consoles is a strategy for boosting sales. Consumers can either pick a cheaper version or a powerful version while the company cuts down cost of manufacturing. However, Kotaku cautions that the Xbox One Scorpio's development is still not a done deal. Some quirks and concerns have to be worked out.