Xbox Project Scarlett Might Be One Console After All, Not Two
"Right now, we're focused on Project Scarlett and what we put on stage."
One of the rumors about the recently unveiled Project Scarlett--now known as Xbox Series X--Microsoft's next-gen Xbox console, is that it is the name of the overall next-generation console plan, encompassing two different systems. The one Microsoft showed off at E3 this year is reportedly the high-end model codenamed Anaconda, while a second, lower-spec model supposedly known as Lockhart, was also said to be in the works. Now, it appears things might have changed (or at least come into focus more clearly), with only one next-gen console coming from Microsoft.
This all goes back to E3 2018, where Xbox boss Phil Spencer said on stage that Microsoft was working on multiple new consoles. Spencer now tells BusinessInsider that Microsoft has already shipped a new console, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, and announced a second one with Project Scarlett. So that's two right there.
"Last year we said consoles, and we've shipped a console and we've now detailed another console. I think that's plural," Spencer said.
"Technically that is plural," he added with a laugh. "Right now, we're focused on Project Scarlett and what we put on stage."
In this interview, and others that Spencer gave at E3 2019 that we noticed, he never explicitly states that Project Scarlett is the name of one console or multiple systems. The release of Project Scarlett in Holiday 2020 is still a while off, so it appears plans could change, as people are speculating.
There are more and more reports coming in that the leaked next-gen Xbox two SKU strategy is put on hold for now and Microsoft might go into next-gen with one SKU. I have no updates on this other than the fact that yes, obviously 1 1/2 years before release plans can change.
— Klobrille (@klobrille) June 19, 2019
Brad Sams, a noted Microsoft insider, reported that Microsoft is no longer planning to release a lower-spec next-generation console but instead is focusing only on Scarlett. Digital Foundry also believes there may be just one system, with plans for the Lockhart system no longer happening.
Hmm.....Digital Foundry just made a video saying Xbox Lockhart is most likely gone! Developers described it a 'Pain in the bum' & holds games back in next generation.@nxtgen720rules @ImCodyFisher @DannyCruzatty @crackbandicoot @AppleVGP @TheWidow9 @HardcoreMetal89 @Dee_Batch pic.twitter.com/9aILhAVM3x
— Just An Exclusive LED ⭕️ (@JustGamer95) June 14, 2019
Whatever the case, Halo Infinite will release as a launch title for the new Project Scarlett console. That's notable because it's the first time since 2001's Halo: Combat Evolved that a Halo game has released on new Xbox hardware as a launch title.
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