Next-generation Xbox will reportedly arrive in 2020

We’re five years into the life cycle of the Xbox One, and if previous console hardware generations are anything to go by, it should be nearing its end. The original Xbox was on the market for four years before the Xbox 360 took over. The 360 was then on the market for eight years before the Xbox One released. With technology constantly evolving, Microsoft will want to stay ahead of the pack.

During Xbox’s E3 2018 press conference, Phil Spencer mentioned that the company was deep into development on the consoles (plural) coming after the Xbox One. A new report from Thurrott indicates that this next-gen hardware will arrive in 2020.

According to Thurrott reporter Brad Sams, the next-generation Xbox is codenamed Scarlett, which appears to include “a family of devices.” Microsoft is reportedly planning to release these devices in 2020.

I’d imagine Scarlett will surely offer backward compatibility given Xbox’s commitment to preserving past experiences for future generations. In addition, Spencer’s comments on the company’s streaming efforts could indicate that it will leverage Microsoft’s Azure service in some way.

Nothing is confirmed, so these plans may not pan out. Thurrott believes this information to be accurate, but anything can change.

Whenever the next-gen Xbox does launch, with five new game studios under Microsoft’s belt, we’re bound to get more frequent 1st party releases.

Via: The Verge