Microsoft has unveiled its next-generation Xbox console called ‘Project Scarlett’, which the company claims takes console power, speed and performance to the next level. Unveiled at its E3 conference, the consoles will hit the shelves in the holiday season of 2020.
Project Scarlett is powered by a custom-designed processor, leveraging the latest Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture from its partners at AMD, giving users a new level of immersion.
Paired with high bandwidth GDDR6 memory, and a next generation solid state drive (SSD), Project Scarlett will provide developers the power they require to bring their creative visions to life.
The console also features hardware accelerated raytracing, variable refresh rate, 8K capability and ultra-low latency input, delivering a new level of fidelity, precision and accuracy, which Microsoft claims has never before seen in console gaming.
The console will show up to 120 frames per second, which is twice the average TV, along with an SSD, which will allow games to load much faster than on its older mechanical hard drives.
“With Project Scarlett, we continue our commitment to compatibility by ensuring your gaming accessories and Xbox career will also move forward with you, along with thousands of games across four console generations which will look and play best on Project Scarlett,” it said in a statement on its website.
Xbox also announced the ability to stream games from your Xbox One console, starting in preview this October. With console streaming, gamers will have access to their Xbox One game library and Xbox Game Pass titles on the go, streamed directly from an Xbox One console to a mobile device.
Xbox also announced that it will be acquiring game development studio Double Fine Productions, which will bring the total number of development studios under Xbox Game Studios to 15.
In addition to this, Xbox also announced the launch of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a new plan combining the curated games library for console and PC with Xbox Live Gold. PC gamers can also join the Xbox Game Pass for PC beta through the new Xbox app, which is now available on Windows 10. Xbox Game Pass for PC is designed specifically for PC gamers with a curated library of over 100 high-quality PC games from over 75 developers and publishers including fan-favorite PC titles like Football Manager 2019, Imperator: Rome, and Metro Exodus.
In addition, Xbox announced a variety of new blockbuster games that are available with Xbox Game Pass for Console starting today, including Metro Exodus, Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, and Batman: Arkham Knight.
In addition, Xbox unveiled the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which it claims is the world’s most advanced controller. The Elite Series 2 is the second iteration of the fan-favorite Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and is re-engineered for ultimate performance, customization, and durability, and includes 30 new and improved features such as adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wraparound rubberized grip, shorter hair-trigger locks, and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life. The Elite Series 2 will launch in 24 markets on November 4 for $179.99 USD/£159.99 GPB/€179.99 EUR and is available for pre-order now.