It’s getting hard to keep track of all the new Xbox hardware rumors. If you’re keeping up with the new Xbox rumors, codenames such as Anthem, Scarlett, Anaconda or even Lockhart may ring a bell. Microsoft is said to be working on both traditional disc-based and streaming-only machines under those different codenames. Well, things are about to get even more crazy. Who doesnt love a good mystery? According to Brad Sams at Thurrott, who’s been the source for many the recent Xbox rumors, Microsoft is working on no less than four new Xbox SKUs, all of which have their own codenames. So we’re gonna try to crack this!
First off, Scarlett is the umbrella codename for all of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox projects. It is basically a generic codename for these next-gen consoles being “worked on.” We’ll try to break this down for better understanding.
- Microsoft is said to be working on two traditional next-gen Scarlett consoles. One, codenamed Anaconda, is the next-gen equivalent of the Xbox One X – a powerful machine for enthusiasts. Game enthusiasts of-course.
- The other Scarlett console is codenamed Lockhart, and it’s designed to be the equivalent of the Xbox One S – a less-expensive option for the more mainstream gamer. Both Anaconda and Lockhart are expected to launch sometime in 2020. From history, go ahead and plan on it being released sometime in the fall around Christmas time, like many other next-gen consoles have been released. (Minus Nintendo)
- Microsoft is planning to release a disc-less streaming-only console codenamed Maverick. This isn’t part of the Scarlett line and it may arrive as soon as Spring of 2019, although plans can change. Reports vary from early Spring to mid-Summer with this release.
- Finally, Microsoft is also prepping another revision of the Xbox One S – this version of the console will be redesigned to reduce manufacturing costs and be focused largely on xCloud streaming, but it will still have a traditional disc drive. Expect it in 2019. The xCloud seems to be a huge Microsoft focus for the future. This could also allow Microsoft to venture into mobile gaming with access to console quality gaming from any device
That was a lot of information in a short amount of time, did you take it all in?! In addition to the details above, Microsoft is also said to be assembling a new development platform named GameCore that will make Xbox game creation faster and easier. Of course, we’re still very much in Rumorville here, so take this all with a grain of salt, although Brad Sams seem to know what he’s talking about from many impressions. Assuming this “insider” is on the correct level, it sure sounds like Microsoft is planning to enter the next-gen swinging. It definitely seems Microsoft wants to compete at the next level on par with Sony’s next-gen rumors that have been talked about.
So what is your opinion? Do you like the idea of Microsoft releasing multiple consoles for different audiences, or would you prefer they consolidate and stick to one main machine? Do you think Microsoft competes with the PlayStation rumors? On the other end of the spectrum, what seems plausible and what doesn’t for a 2020 Microsoft release?