Microsoft is reportedly preparing a “family of” Xbox game consoles set to arrive in 2020, according to a report by Thurrott. The next-generation Xbox is codenamed ‘Scarlett’.

The Xbox ’Scarlett’

The original Xbox One that kicked off this console generation was launched in 2013. Sony launched the PlayStation 4 in the same year. Both companies have since launched mid-cycle upgrades in the form of Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro.

If the rumor is to be believed, 2020 could mark the beginning of the next generation of game console hardware.

- “Microsoft is planning for the next Xbox console release to arrive in 2020. But what is more interesting, is that Microsoft describes ‘Scarlett’ as a family of devices; meaning we may see multiple pieces of hardware released that year,” the report said.

This past weekend at the E3 conference, Microsoft’s head of Xbox Phil Spencer went on stage and told the audience that “the same team that delivered unprecedented performance with Xbox One X is deep into architecting the next Xbox consoles, where we will once again deliver on our commitment to set the benchmark for console gaming”.

Phil Spencer seemingly confirmed that Microsoft is working on more than one Xbox console – or maybe he misspoke. He also confirmed that Microsoft is working on game streaming service that will bring “console-quality games to any device”.

Also read: Ubisoft CEO: One more console generation, then we'll all be streaming

Not much is known about the next-generation of Xbox but judging from Spencer’s comments, the company is aiming for benchmark graphics performance. 2020 may be too early for 8K resolution but there are lots of other potential improvements, including High Frame Rate (HFR), more consistent 4K performance, expanded High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, virtual reality (VR), and better support for adaptive frame rate.

The Xbox ‘Scarlett’ – or Xbox Two? – is also expected to be backwards compatible with games currently running on Xbox One.

Of course, the 2020 timeframe is just a rumor but Microsoft is definitely gearing up for the next console war.

- Source: Thurrott