A brand new Xbox console is coming in 2017. During the Xbox E3 Briefing in Los Angeles, Microsoft unveiled more details about Project Scorpio, a more powerful Xbox One with support of 4K resolutions for games and high-end virtual reality.
Unlike Xbox One S, the company notes that the new console is not just a console refresh. It’s something totally new that brings new hardware and new experiences.
Although a lot of things will be different with Scorpio, all consoles will be able to play the same games. Meaning that any game you purchase today or in the future will be perfectly playable on the original Xbox One, the new Xbox One S, and on Scorpio.
However, some games will feature specific improvements that will benefit those users with the new hardware. Halo 5 is the perfect example. Even though it’s a game that can perfectly run at 1080p and at 60fps on the original Xbox One, there are times when performance will drop to keep the user experience. On the Xbox One Scorpio, such thing won’t happen.
The other benefit of Scorpio is the arrival of virtual reality to the platform. It was previously rumored that Microsoft was in talks with Oculus to bring VR to the console, but during the E3 conference, the company didn’t share any new details. Microsoft says that it isn’t ready to make public any details, but we can expect at some point before launch, the company will announce some sort of VR experience for Xbox One (Project Scorpio).
Project Scorpio tech specs
As for tech specs, information is minimal, but the new graphics processor will deliver six teraflops. It’ll feature a semi-custom SoC processor with 8 cores from an unknown company, over 320GB/s of memory bandwidth, and everything necessary to deliver 4K resolution gaming at 60hz.
Why the early announcement
Traditionally, companies don’t introduce new game consoles this long before the actual release date. Xbox chief Phil Spencer says that Microsoft just wants to be transparent with customers. However, the early announcement could be in part because of Sony gearing to launch the PlayStation VR later this year.
It can be costly
It’s clear that the new Xbox One codename Project Scorpio will be a significant upgrade from the original Xbox One, but there are a few things you will need to consider.
For example, if you want to take full advantage of the console, your 1080p flat-screen TV won’t be enough. You will need a new TV with 4K resolutions and HDR support, in addition to a speedy internet connection to stream 4K content from Netflix, Amazon Video, and other content providers.
While there isn’t a specific release date for Project Scorpio, Microsoft says the new Xbox One will be available sometime during the Holidays of 2017. Pricing is also something that we won’t know until just before the launch date. However, you should start saving money now, as new hardware and new VR gear may not come cheap.
Have something to add to the story? Tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].