More claims point to cheaper Xbox One SKU in 2014

New voices have added to the claims that Microsoft will this year release a cheaper version of the Xbox One.

As part of a leak yesterday it was claimed that Microsoft is readying a $399 Xbox One that could ship without an optical disc drive. That represents a $100 saving on the SKU currently available in the US.

Now VG247 reckons it has word from a well-respected source” that Microsoft has told trusted publishing partners that it will release a new model Xbox One before the end of the year”.

It adds that this new SKU will replace the current model, and not sell alongside it.

CVG says it has received confirmation, too.

Note, though, that so far no other sources have backed up the claim that the new model will ditch discs. Indeed, Michael Pachter has come out and said he doesn’t believe that particular claim.