At the Xbox E3 2019 event, Microsoft lifted the lid on what you can expect from Xbox Scarlett, it’s next-generation console. While the actual design of the device didn’t make an appearance, an Xbox Scarlett reveal trailer did, which had Microsoft developers talk up the potential of the console due to faster loading times thanks to an SSD, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and four times the power of the Xbox One X. The Xbox Scarlett release date is slated for the holiday season 2020. We won’t be surprised to see it available from November 22, 2020 as November 22 was the release date for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One in 2005 and 2013 respectively.
Xbox Scarlett specifications
- Custom Zen2 AMD Processor
- 4x more powerful than Xbox One X
- High bandwidth GDDR6
- Capable of 120 frames per second
- 8K capable
- Ray tracing
- Variable refresh rate
- SSD that allows usage as virtual memory
It’ll be interesting to see how developers take advantage of its tech, perhaps leading to more seamless experiences in games like the next Monster Hunter.
“Project Scarlett will set a new bar for console power, speed and performance, arriving Holiday 2020 alongside Halo Infinite,” reads a statement from Microsoft. “Powered by a custom-designed processor, leveraging the latest Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture from our partners at AMD, Project Scarlett will deliver 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. Featuring hardware accelerated raytracing, variable refresh rate, 8K capability and ultra-low latency input, Project Scarlett will deliver a new level of fidelity, precision and accuracy never before seen in console gaming.”
Expect backwards compatibility across the board. Not just with games like Final Fantasy XV or the recently announced Tales of Arise and Elden Ring, but with Xbox and Xbox 360 games too.
“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,” the statement continues.
With the PS5 offering a similar feature set and out around the same time, 2020 is shaping up to be an expensive year for gamers.
