MICROSOFT is working on two next-gen Xbox consoles for release in 2020, according to a new report.
The tech giant is expected to release a powerful Xbox 2 proper alongside a less powerful version that costs less.
Back in June, Microsoft confirmed that it was working on a new Xbox codenamed Project Scarlett.
It promised a console that would “set a new bar for console power, speed and performance”.
Now gaming news site Kotaku claims that Microsoft has a second console in the works.
This “lower-cost, disc-less” version of the Scarlett console is reportedly called Lockhart.
Rumours of a second Xbox first began circulating in 2018, but the Lockhart console was later reported to have been scrapped.
However, Kotaku says that the console looks as though it’s still in the works.
Kotaku cites four people briefed on Microsoft’s plans, who provided top-secret details about the consoles.
One unnamed game developer said that the console’s graphical power would be similar to Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro.
It’s also expected to feature a solid-state drive a fast type of storage that will could significantly speed up loading times.
The console is tipped to have a faster CPU “than any current video game console”, with the promise of higher frame-rates.
And Microsoft is reportedly targeting 1440p resolution and 60 frames per second on the Lockhart console.
Meanwhile, the more powerful Scarlett console is expected to deliver 4K video at the same frame rate.
It wouldn’t be a huge shock, in any case.
Earlier this year, Microsoft released a cheaper discless version of its Xbox One S.
With the rise of digital game downloads, it’s increasingly less important to have a disc tray on your console.
Microsoft is also developing a game-streaming platform called xCloud, which lets you stream titles over the internet.
This is similar to the recently launched Google Stadia, and removes the need for powerful gaming hardware.
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed the existence of a second Xbox console coming in 2020.
A Microsoft spokesperson told The Sun: “We do not comment on rumours or speculation.”
Sony is also expected to launch its own PS5 in 2020, although details on the console’s performance are light.
In other news, a recent PS5 “leak” gives us an early look at the console and controller ahead of its 2020 release.
Sony’s PS5 has beentipped to cost over 450.
And find out why both the PS5 and Xbox 2 could be the last consoles you ever own.
Will you be buying the Xbox 2 or the PS5 next year? Let us know in the comments!
