Xbox 2 news has been pretty scarce lately. While there were a few rumors and leaks earlier this year, past few months have been more or less silent about the specs and features of the upcoming console.
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Microsoft, its arch-rival Sony and Google, are working on their next-gen consoles which are expected to change the landscape of the gaming industry.
Sony and Google have already revealed a significant chunk of information for the players. According to reports, Sony is pushing hard to support 8K resolutions and backward compatibility.
However, Microsoft has remained silent over the specs and features of its next-gen consoles.
We at Hiptoro, have decided to piece together every bit of information be it a rumor or a leak related to Xbox 2 so that you can get a clearer picture.
Xbox 2 – What is it and Why is it important?
Xbox 2 is the successor of Xbox One, and it will be the fourth gen console released by Microsoft.
Majority of the details that is floating on the web came after Phil Spencer announced at E3 `2018, where he told media that Microsoft is working on next-gen “consoles.”
Since Sony and Google have already unveiled their plans for their console, the ball is in Microsoft’s hand.
It is crucial that Microsoft utilizes this opportunity to build a better Xbox.
Xbox 2: Multiple Variants in works
When Microsoft heads to E3 2019, we expect to see at least two variants of Xbox 2. Reportedly Microsoft is working on a new family of Xbox 2 consoles codenamed “Scarlett.”
If reports are accurate, then the Xbox Scarlett family will consist of Xbox Anaconda and Xbox Lockhart.
Xbox Anaconda will be a full-blown console with top-notch hardware which will rival Sony’s PlayStation 5.
On the other hand, Microsoft is also trying to target the lower end of the market with Xbox Lockhart, which is a streaming console that will utilize Project xCloud to stream games.
Xbox Lockhart is expected to utilize an affordable SKU which will provide performance equivalent to the current Xbox One X.
Xbox 2: Specs and Performance
If Microsoft insider Paul Thurrott is to be believed than Xbox 2 will use GDDR6 memory for the GPU. Thurrott further showcased a recent job listing of Microsoft to prove his point.
Meanwhile, Paul Spencer has hinted that Xbox Scarlett will ship with support for variable refresh technology. Xbox Scarlett or Xbox 2 will also pack HDMI 2.1 which has widespread implementations in the future.
Spencer also leaned toward cloud gaming, which has been in the news for quite some time. He hinted towards a game streaming network which will run on Microsoft’s xCloud infrastructure.
According to Spencer Gaming AI will go through a significant upgrade, and players will interact with a more natural NPC.
Xbox 2: What games will you be able to play on the new console
Microsoft has published some of the most popular games in the past, but it has a limited number of games for Xbox 2, two to be precise.
Bethesda has announced the two games Starfield and The Elder Scroll 6 for Xbox 2 at E3 2018. Apart from these two games, speculation is on the rise for a possible release of Halo: Infinite.
Another excellent addition to the library would be the ability to play older games on the Xbox 2. Paul Spencer has hinted towards improved Xbox backward compatibility.
While giving an interview for Eurogamer, Spencer said that he is proud that they have an excellent track record of backward compatibility.
Xbox 2: Our Wishlist
More games in the exclusive library
Microsoft is behind Sony and Nintendo when it comes to the exclusive quality titles. Even though titles like Halo, Forza, and Gears of War exist, they are limited in number as well as predictable.
We are hopeful that players will get some quality titles to play since Microsoft has acquired multiple studios, including Playground Games and Ninja Theory, both of which were responsible for Hellblade.
Redesigned User Interface
Even though we have seen a multiple number iteration of Xbox One, the interface has remained the same.
The interface of the current Xbox is clunky when you browse through the menus and friend list. Xbox 2 should ship a fully redesigned User Interface with intuitive controls.
An improved Play Anywhere
Play Anywhere is an excellent concept that allows gamers to play a game on Xbox as well as on Microsoft Windows.
It would be good that Microsoft keeps this project alive for the Xbox 2. Currently, Xbox Play Anywhere is mainly focused on titles from Microsoft; it would be great if we other publisher join this project.
Xbox 2: Release Date
As we have mentioned earlier, Microsoft has kept its silence when it comes to Xbox 2. Microsoft has released its consoles in a six-year cycle.
Since Xbox One was initially released in 2013, Xbox 2 should be released in 2019, but chances are slim.
It is highly likely that Xbox 2 will be released in late 2020 or early 2021.
