16 reasons why now is the perfect time to buy an Xbox One (MSFT)

Xbox One S

The Xbox One is a killer game console.

Not only is it a looker, but it's a powerful little box — the Xbox One "S" model seen above is the new standard for the console, replacing the original box that launched in 2013. It plays the same games, but looks better, does more, and costs less.

All of which means now is the best time there's ever been to buy a new Xbox One. Here's why:

1. It starts at just $250.

You can get a basic Xbox One S console, with 500 GB of storage, for $250. That said, you're just as likely to find a bundle with a mildly-aged game like "Battlefield 1" for the same price.

However, if you're willing to go a tad higher and drop $280, Microsoft has a bunch of different bundles this holiday that come with extra stuff that's more than worth your $30. There's a "Minecraft" bundle, with a ton of "Minecraft" stuff (including the game); there's a "Halo" bundle with a ton of "Halo" stuff (including the most recent game); etc.

Check out all the details on those bundles right here.

2. It’s backward compatible with a growing library of Xbox 360 games.

Microsoft, unbelievably, added this feature after the Xbox One launched. It's been a huge freebie to long-time Xbox owners — over time, more and more games from the Xbox 360 are supported on the Xbox One. So if you owned them for the 360, you already own them for Xbox One.

Any games you bought digitally on Xbox 360 automatically show up in your current collection, and all your progress and old save files will transfer over too. For physical Xbox 360 games, just slip the disc into your Xbox One and the game will download straight from Xbox Live. This also includes Xbox 360 game expansions, downloadable content, and achievements.

3. It’s a game console, plus a cord-cutting solution.

You don’t need an extra set-top box to enjoy TV and movies if you have an Xbox One.

It supports an array of video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, Sling TV, ESPN, and Twitch. It can also play your Blu-ray discs and media from your storage devices via USB. You can even make Skype video calls over your Xbox if you have the Kinect accessory. And it’s super easy to switch back and forth between different content.

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