In a surprise reveal, Microsoft today gave a first look at the next-generation Xbox console at The Game Awards 2019 show. Phil Spencer stepped out on stage to unveil the Xbox Series X, confirming both the new name and the look of the upcoming device. This is the Project Scarlett console that"s been teased by Microsoft for some time now, and in the trailer seen above, we also get a look at the new Xbox Wireless Controller.
Microsoft said the following in an accompanying blog post regarding the console:
Xbox Series X will be our fastest, most powerful console ever and set a new bar for performance, speed and compatibility, allowing you to bring your gaming legacy, thousands of games from three generations and more forward with you. Its industrial design enables us to deliver four times the processing power of Xbox One X in the most quiet and efficient way, something that is critically important in delivering truly immersive gameplay.
The very PC tower-like shaped console will support horizontal and vertical orientations. The disc drive slot can be seen clearly on the front, while the top of the tower is grated, possibly equipped with some fans for airflow.
As for its innards, a custom AMD chip utilizing Zen 2 and RDNA architectures is powering the console, featuring "hardware accelerated ray tracing and a new level of performance never before seen in a console." Microsoft said the console will push 4K 60FPS gameplay, with that possibly bumping up to 120FPS also.
Meanwhile, the new controller is very similar to the current Xbox Wireless Controller, but its shape and size have been refined somewhat according to Microsoft. The new d-pad will be similar to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller"s apparatus, while a new dedicated physical Share button has been implemented as well for capturing clips and screenshots. It will come with support for both Xbox consoles and PCs.
The Xbox Series X console with the new Xbox Wireless Controller is landing holiday 2020.