Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is working to build the most powerful console ever.
Dubbed the Xbox Scorpio, the console is expected to be an impressive device. It will deliver a true 4K gaming experience.
The successor to the Xbox One will run Windows 10 and will be a premium product.
Here is what we so far know about the Xbox Scorpio.
Microsoft Xbox Scorpio Rumors, News, Features, Specs
The next generation Xbox console won’t replace the Xbox One S, which was introduced in the third quarter of 2016.
The Scorpio will feature eight CPU cores and six teraflops of processing power. It will have more than 320 GB of memory bandwidth. Reports have suggested that the Scorpio will be 40% more powerful than the PlayStation 4 Pro.
The Scorpio will come with two big improvements. First, the console will offer a 4K gaming experience. Second, it will support hi-fidelity virtual reality.
The Scorpio is said to be powered by AMD. No more details about know about AMD chip that will be in Scorpio. However, rumors indicate that the console could get the company’s Vega chipset.
AMD said in a statement, “We are proud that Microsoft has chosen to expand their Xbox One family of devices with two new consoles featuring AMD’s high-performance semi-custom SoCs that support revolutionary new technologies like HDR, 4K, and high-fidelity VR to enable the next generation of immersive gaming experiences.”
Virtual Reality and Backwards Compatibility
The Scorpio will provide support for virtual reality (VR). The console, however, will not come with any VR headset. Instead, it will support VR sets from other companies.
Still, we do know if Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: backwardsMSFT) is planning to build its own VR set.
Moreover, the console will be backward compatible with Xbox One games. This means players can play every single Xbox One game on the Scorpio. The Xbox One is backwards compatible with the Xbox 360 games, but will the Scorpio be backwards compatible with the Xbox 360 games? Still it is not clear.
Price and Release Date
As we mentioned it earlier, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) sees the Scorpio as the premium product.
Aaron Greenberg, who leads Xbox marketing team, has said that the Scorpio is going to a “premium and very high-end” console.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer, however, has said that he wants to the Scorpio “to be at a console price-point.”
“I’m not trying to go and compete with a high-end rig. Because we’re building one spec, we’re able to look at the balance between all the components and make sure that it’s something we really hit that matters to consumers and gamers,” Spencer added.
Reports from multiple sources suggest that the console will be priced at $400. The Redmond tech giant is expected to launch the console at the end of 2017.