Last month, rumours surfaced that Microsoft is developing an all-new Xbox console for release in 2020. Not only that, but “Scarlett” — the codename given to the new console — actually refers to a range of products. Now, we have a bit more information as to what that might entail.
The latest reports suggest that Microsoft is also developing a streaming-only option for gamers, codenamed “Scarlett Cloud”. The machine will apparently have far less in the way of on-board computing power and, therefore, retail at a significantly lower price.
It has been said that the console will possess a small amount of computing power to handle controller input, image processing and collision detection, while the games themselves will mostly be processed and transmitted to the user’s screen via Microsoft’s forthcoming subscription-based cloud-streaming service, which sounds similar to Sony’s PlayStation Now.
Rumours also suggest that the platform will come to non-Xbox apps as well, much like Sony’s offering is available for non-PlayStation owners via a PC app.
Analyst Comment
It’s good to see Microsoft doing its best to appeal to all kinds of gamers. Based on the performance of PlayStation Now cloud gaming, a streaming-only console won’t appeal much to gamers like myself who want to retain a certain standard of quality and performance. But I imagine more casual gamers, who might not have considered purchasing a full-fat (full power) gaming console before, might see it as a worthwhile investment. (AF)
