As E3 comes closer, rumors keep surfacing and people just keep getting more excited as they expect the latest in technology from electronic entertainment giants. It is now the turn of Microsoft, whose latest gaming console is the Xbox One, a console that, although successful, it did not sport any major or outstanding tech feature that set it apart from the competition. Because of this, expectations are high for the company’s releases as rumors are appearing all over the place.
Gamers love to dig into pre-E3 rumors. Here are the most widely-discussed Microsoft rumors to date, but note that none of these have been confirmed by Microsoft.
New Xbox models
It is rumored that a thinner and cheaper version of the Xbox One will be released along another model that is able to connect to VR headsets.
Codename Scorpio is said to have better graphics and hardware besides being compatible with Oculus Rift, as there are reports that Microsoft is actively seeking partnership with the Facebook-owned VR company. Scorpio is also expected to have a much larger hard drive capacity, 4K compatibility, and increased data transfer speed.
Streaming peripherals
It is possible for Microsoft to reveal a card under its sleeve on the upcoming E3: A piece of hardware that will allow gamers to play Xbox One games on a different TV. Microsoft partners refused to comment on the matter, but similar functions are already embedded into Xbox and Windows, as it is possible to stream video and music from one operative system to another.
This was speculated by Youtuber Brad Sams who asserts that a media stick for streaming Xbox One games will be released at the upcoming E3 costing around $100. Although the peripheral would be welcomed by game streamers, many argue that a microphone embedded controller would seal the deal as it would match perfectly with Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana.
Microsoft’s strategy
Reportedly, Microsoft’s focus on hardware and reliance on strong native franchises such as Halo is all part of a plan to join Windows and Xbox, by allowing backward compatibility and games on both platforms.
These rumors have surfaced recently, whereas a couple of months ago Sony leaked information regarding its new console, which will also have increased graphics capacity. There are still no official announcements regarding the new consoles, but among the rumors, there are many that just are too far-fetched for a gamer to conceive.
According to Polygon, the Xbox One runs at 1.32 teraflops, while the PS4 runs at 1.84 teraflops; they report that the new Playstation will run at approximately 4.14 teraflops, doubling the capacity of its predecessor. It is rumored that the new Xbox’s performance is to reach 6 teraflops. As expected, there are no indications about the cost of any of the new consoles, as both companies have declined to provide any sort of official information. Gamers will have to wait until E3 2016 which is set to take place from June 14 to the 16.
[UPDATE]: Gamespot article posted on E3’s official website confirms Two New Xbox One Consoles in Development, One Set for E3 2016 Reveal.
Source: Polygon