Before we begin, we should mention that the information is classified as rumor. But the source of this information is a well-known Microsoft insider who has been correct many times before. Still, take this with a pinch of salt.
Brad Sams, who previously revealed the code-name for-next-gen Xbox console is “Scarlett”, is back again to reveal that there’s a “Scarlett Pro” SKU in the works. This SKU is the successor to the Xbox One X, so that makes the regular Scarlett a successor to the Xbox One S. This rumor has also been corroborated by Windows Central through its sources.
What’s interesting is that, going by this information, Microsoft is choosing to market two different hardware SKUs from launch, giving people more choice which next-gen experience they want to have.
Scarlett is a family of next-gen Xbox consoles. There’s the Scarlett Pro, the dev-kit of which is reportedly called Anaconda, and then there’s Scarlett Arcade which is being called Lockhart.
Next year will see development on the Xbox hardware front. The rumored disc-less Xbox console is basically an Xbox One S without a disc-drive. This SKU is code-named Maverick. This SKU will ship with a digital plan called Roma. The Roma initiative will allow Microsoft to ship the Xbox One S with a digital plan, thereby forgoing any setup requirement on the user’s part.
Microsoft is also hard at work to improve UWP, the evolution of which is called Game Core. Game Core will allow developers to port games between the Xbox consoles and PC easier. And as expected, AMD will be supplying the tech for next-gen Xbox.
There’s too much information here, but they come from a credible source. Clearly, Microsoft is busy setting up the stage for next-generation which is expected to ship in 2020.
