Detailed render of the Project Scorpio devkit
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Microsoft's latest revision of the Xbox One, internally referred to as Project Scorpio, was finally spotted in the wild. This information comes straight from Gamesutra who recently had the pleasure of interviewing several Microsoft employees that were key in designing this new system. It's clear that the 90's VCR aesthetic was not abandoned - in fact, the Scorpio devkit goes one step further by implementing an LCD display which probably won't be featured in the final retail units.

The Project Scorpio devkit compared to Microsoft's previous devkit units​

In previous generations Microsoft's consoles closely followed the devkit's case design. If past performance is anything to go by, these development kits are a good representation of how the final system will look like.

The Project Scorpio and the Scorpio devkit specs sheet, as compared to the Xbox One S and Xbox One
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Gamesutra also published a detailed specs sheet of both the devkit and the final retail units, comparing them to the Xbox One and the Xbox One S. You'll notice that, as per tradition, the Scorpio devkit packs even more of a punch than the retail unit as it has to run background operations during the development cycle.

Project Scorpio devkits - now easily stackable!
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To prove that they're not just full of hot air, Gamesutra also featured this photograph of a stack of devkits in addition to the renders. It appears that Project Scorpio is nearing final stages of development, we'll definitelly hear more about the system during this year's E3 showcase.

You can find out more about the system and read some excerpts from their interview by following the source link below. What do you think about the new Xbox? Let us know in the comments!

Source (Gamesutra)

 

[WiiUBricker]

And people complained that the Xbone looks like a VHS recorder.

 

[Noctosphere]

nioce

 

[s157]

I like the vcr look. I hope it doesn't change too much in the final version.

 

[Jayro]

The only thing I don't like about the Xbox one is the sharp corners. They hurt.

 

[Lightyose]

I still don't like Xbox enough to buy one... But I would play if someone else has it or gives it to me.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

That little LCD screen is a pretty awesome idea for a dev kit, it's a shame it probably won't be seen on consumer console. As a PC gamer, I'd like to have a little display like that showing FPS/hardware temperature or controller info or something that gives more information about the console's actual performance.

As to the general design, looks ok to me. The only thing that I'm sort of "disappointed" with is sort of the lack of visible vents (in the photos, anyways, the whole back could be a vent I suppose ). You can't stuff 4K hardware in a box that small and expect good airflow, I hope they step up their game cooling wise or consumers might be in for some more RROD type things.

 

[duffmmann]

I do like how this device physically looks overall. Though I agree with someone above, I'd like to see the edges rounded off like a Wii U, that would help with the sleekness and make it look more futuristic

 

[mightymuffy]

That little LCD screen is a pretty awesome idea for a dev kit, it's a shame it probably won't be seen on consumer console. As a PC gamer, I'd like to have a little display like that showing FPS/hardware temperature or controller info or something that gives more information about the console's actual performance.

As to the general design, looks ok to me. The only thing that I'm sort of "disappointed" with is sort of the lack of visible vents (in the photos, anyways, the whole back could be a vent I suppose ). You can't stuff 4K hardware in a box that small and expect good airflow, I hope they step up their game cooling wise or consumers might be in for some more RROD type things.

"Microsoft is using a vapour chamber heat sink. It consists of a copper vessel that forms its basis, inside of which is deionised water under vacuum. Heat is absorbed into the water, where it vapourises. The steam convects away from the hot spots and condenses on the heat sink fins. It's highly efficient"

Quoted from the official Digital Foundry unveiling - do try to keep up. MS have most certainly learned their lesson from the RROD issue...

 

[KingBlank]

Optimistic frame rate on that little screen there, I'm still expecting most titles to be locked to 24-30fps for a cinematic experience

 

[John256145]

It looks nice, and it's just a dev kit!

 

[Foxi4]

"Microsoft is using a vapour chamber heat sink. It consists of a copper vessel that forms its basis, inside of which is deionised water under vacuum. Heat is absorbed into the water, where it vapourises. The steam convects away from the hot spots and condenses on the heat sink fins. It's highly efficient"

Quoted from the official Digital Foundry unveiling - do try to keep up. MS have most certainly learned their lesson from the RROD issue...

I have mixed feelings when it comes to vapour chambers - some are really good implementations, some are extremely poor. I find direct contact pipes to be a safer approach since the wicks are more reliable, but hey - so far the Xbox One didn't have any major cooking disasters and the sinks are huge in each revision, oversized even, so Microsoft has certainly learned a thing or two in the cooling department and plays it safe now.

 

[Viri]

I'm pretty sure this was done on purpose to drive up hype. God dammit, I'm laughing so hard at how much it looks like a VCR. But, part of me likes the VCR 90's look, so eh. I have no plans to buy an Xbone, because Xbone exclusives come to PC anyway.

Also, Microsoft, plz fix those pointy corners, holy shit!

 

[Foxi4]

I love the pointy corners, you guys are nuts. If there's anything that I really hated about the previous generation, it's the fact that everything had to be rounded or curved. Sharp edges give the console a bolder look - it seems like a sturdy piece of kit.

That little LCD screen is a pretty awesome idea for a dev kit, it's a shame it probably won't be seen on consumer console. As a PC gamer, I'd like to have a little display like that showing FPS/hardware temperature or controller info or something that gives more information about the console's actual performance.

As to the general design, looks ok to me. The only thing that I'm sort of "disappointed" with is sort of the lack of visible vents (in the photos, anyways, the whole back could be a vent I suppose ). You can't stuff 4K hardware in a box that small and expect good airflow, I hope they step up their game cooling wise or consumers might be in for some more RROD type things.

The vents are on each side of the black section, they span the whole width of the system. It seems like a perfect setup for push/pull, but to my knowledge the system is cooled by just one oversized fan, much like the S.

 

[eduall]

and the price unknow...

 

[duffmmann]

Pointed edges just look like dated tech to me at this point. Like something out of the 80s. I love aesthetically so much more how the Wii U looks over the original Wii, and the roundness has everything to do with that.

 

[Foxi4]

and the price unknow...

Judging by the specs alone I expect the system to be anywhere between $350 (optimistic, competitive with PS4 Pro) and $600 (pessimistic, high margin), which is fine since it's an optional upgrade. We'll definitely find out more during E3.

 

[The Catboy]

That is clearly a VCR! MS is making a VCR confirmed!

 

[Foxi4]

Pointed edges just look like dated tech to me at this point. Like something out of the 80s. I love aesthetically so much more how the Wii U looks over the original Wii, and the roundness has everything to do with that.

Rounded edges are impractical and give consoles a toy-like appearance, I was always partial towards the more monolith-like style of design, as seen on the PS2, for instance. You have a point though, it's an 80's look, I just happen to like it.

 

[duffmmann]

Rounded edges are impractical and give consoles a toy-like appearance, I was always partial towards the more monolith-like style of design, as seen on the PS2, for instance. You have a point though, it's an 80's look, I just happen to like it.

I dunno, I look at something like the Galaxy S8 Edge or the Wii U pro controllers, and they look brilliant to me with all their rounded edges, in fact not only could I see them as uncomfortable if they weren't rounded, but I can tell I'd find them less appealing overall to look at if they were as well.