A new Xbox “family” could launch as early as 2020

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

A new Xbox console is likely to launch in 2020. Part of Project “Scarlett,” the next-generation model could consist of multiple pieces of hardware, according to Thurrott.com.

According to the report, several “unannounced Microsoft products” are coming in the next two years. Some of those are being described as a family of devices, meaning we may see multiple pieces of hardware released that year.

They explain,

That date may seem relatively close considering that the Xbox One X launched last year but Microsoft is aggressively moving ahead with hardware in the console space to shake up the industry. But what we don’t know is if this is a brand new set of devices or simply a more ‘powerful’ Xbox One that is again, fully backward compatible with all the content available today.

Considering how much effort Microsoft has put into backward compatibility, I would expect the Scarlett devices to support current gen games but offer more advanced features and align possibly with Microsoft’s upcoming game-streaming services.

With some already claiming consoles are on the way out, a family of devices makes for an interesting twist.

In other Microsoft news, it looks like the Windows maker is planning on introducing three new Surface-branded products this year alongside a hand-held device called Andromeda. Next year, the company may launch a new version of HoloLens.

Although little is known about the next-generation Xbox, one thing is nearly certain; it will support backwards compatibility for existing Xbox One games, a very welcome feature.

Microsoft isn’t the only company preparing to launch a new game console. Sony’s expected to announce its PlayStation 4 successor in the next two years with delivery of the device possible in 2021. In the meantime, Sony will focus on PlayStation services and features.

Will you be buying a new Xbox or PlayStation? Let us know your thoughts below. 

In other Microsoft news:

• Microsoft is finally making the push to offer more exclusive content
• E3 2018: Microsoft Press Conference thoughts
• Could the title of “Netflix of Gaming” go to Microsoft?

Bryan M. Wolfe

Bryan considers himself a well-rounded techie, having written articles for MakeUseOf, KnowTechie, AppAdvice, iDownload Blog. When he's not writing, he's being a single dad and rooting for his alma mater, Penn State, or cheering on the Patriots.