The Microsoft Xbox One S is a very welcome upgrade to Microsoft's game console and all-round entertainment system. 40% smaller, and with an internal power supply, it's a much nicer-looking box.

The Xbox One S is a major improvement over its predecessor in terms of style and footprint, and if you've bought – or about to buy – a 4K TV, it's definitely worth purchasing rather than the standard Xbox One, or indeed a dedicated 4K Blu-ray player.

If you're a PC-first type of person, there's really only one reason to buy Microsoft's Xbox One S: You own or plan to own a 4K HDR TV, and want a relatively affordable but feature-packed media box to show it off.

The bottom line for the Microsoft One S is that if you're looking for a great game console and 4K Blu-ray/streaming media player combo, then this device is a great choice at a decent price. It offers plenty of value per dollar spent.

Excellent design; New controller is more user friendly; 4K video playback; Streaming from Netflix; Amazon; HDR gaming and video support; 4K upscaling of 1080p games

Not a real 4K gaming console at all; No Kinect port built-in; Only comes with one controller; Overshadowed by Microsoft Scorpio

The new, streamlined Microsoft Xbox One S is smaller than the original Xbox One console, comes with a redesigned controller, and can play Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.

Ultra HD Blu-ray playback; Smaller footprint; Increased storage options; Redesigned gamepad features a headset jack

4K video streaming not yet available; Games aren't upconverted to 4K; No Kinect

The best console you can buy, but for how long

You favourite games in pin-sharp detail; The cheapest 4K Blu-ray player you can buy; Sleek new design; sans power brick

PS4 still has the better exclusives; Controller not rechargeable as standard

In many ways, the new Xbox One S is the physical embodiment of Microsoft's efforts in reconnecting with the core gamer. Gone are the functional, slab-like set-top box aesthetics of the original hardware and in comes a fresh new design.

What may appear to be a simple reduction in size and a few tweaks in order to make a big cash grab on unassuming gamers is actually quite the opposite. Gamers are much too smart and demand so much more out of each new console,.

It's not everyday Microsoft releases a new Xbox gaming console but that day happens to be tomorrow with the launch of its latest and greatest – the Xbox One. The device is bristling with new features and capabilities and is a worthy successor to its popular predecessor – the Xbox 360.