Rumours have been going on for quite some time that Microsoft is planning to release a version of the Xbox One that is far more powerful than the current model. While nothing has been confirmed yet, Kotaku’s sources has revealed that not only will Microsoft be introducing a much more powerful Xbox One, the company is also planning to release a smaller version of the current Xbox One as well.
For the smaller Xbox One, sources say that Microsoft will be revealing the console at E3. Apart from the size of the device, the smaller Xbox One may also come with a 2TB hard drive. The source did not mention if this small Xbox One will come with any other specification changes, so it’s probably safe to assume that this console is a revision of the original console. This console is expected to launch by the end of 2016.
As for the upgraded Xbox One, which is codenamed Scorpio, the device will feature a more powerful GPU and is stated to be capable of supporting the Oculus Rift. The GPU upgrade would also allow the Scorpio to support 4K resolution. Scrorpio is not expected to enter the market until 2017.
Microsoft’s decision to release a much more powerful console comes on the heels of a Microsoft strategy, codenamed “Project Helix.” According to one of the sources, Microsoft intends to converge Xbox and Windows into a single platform. Halo Wars 2 and Sea of Thieves are two games that have been announced as exclusive to both Xbox One and PC, and sources are saying that Microsoft’s new mandate is to release future games, including the Halo series, on both platforms.
Source: Kotaku