Microsoft has used The Game Awards 2019 to confirm the name of its next generation Xbox. Long code-named Project Scarlett, the new console will be officially called the Xbox Series X.
To go with the name, Microsoft also unveiled the appearance of the console, which you can see below. It looks a lot like a traditional desktop PC, and it appears like it could be quite bulky – you may need to invest in a new TV unit to fit it on, or perhaps apply for an extension on your house. One thing that may help is the revelation in a blog post that the Xbox Series X can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, which should make it slightly easier to find a space for.
As you can see, the picture also reveals the new Xbox Wireless Controller, which Microsoft says has been “refined to accommodate an even wider range of people”. It also features a Share button to make grabbing screenshots or game clips easier, and there’s an advanced D-pad pulled straight from the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller. The new controller will also be compatible with both the existing Xbox One and Windows 10 PC’s.
Microsoft says that the new console will be their “fastest, most powerful console ever” and will “set a new bar for performance”. Speaking on the actual technical specs of the console, Microsoft said:
“From a technical standpoint, this will manifest as world-class visuals in 4K at 60FPS, with possibility of up to 120FPS, including support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 8K capability. Powered by our custom-designed processor leveraging the latest Zen 2 and next generation RDNA architecture from our partners at AMD, Xbox Series X will deliver hardware accelerated ray tracing and a new level of performance never before seen in a console. Additionally, our patented Variable Rate Shading (VRS) technology will allow developers to get even more out of the Xbox Series X GPU and our next-generation SSD will virtually eliminate load times and bring players into their gaming worlds faster than ever before.
We are minimizing latency by leveraging technology such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and giving developers new functionality like Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) to make Xbox Series X the most responsive console ever. Xbox Series X is also designed for a future in the cloud, with unique capabilities built into the hardware and software to make it as easy as possible to bring great games to both console and elsewhere. Xbox Series X will deliver a level of fidelity and immersion unlike anything that’s been achieved in previous console generations.”
Microsoft also announced a new game for the Xbox Series X. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II will be the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Developed by Ninja Theory, Microsoft says that the game is “being built to leverage the full power of Xbox Series X”, full power which Microsoft says will allow developers to “deliver new universes, experiences, and games in ways you have never imagined”.
Xbox Series X will launch in Holiday 2020. What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments below.
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