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Leaked files suggest Microsoft is working on multiple Xbox Series X consoles

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It's become customary for console makers to release multiple versions of the same console within their lifetime. However, next-gen consoles might be available in more than one flavor right at launch. The PS5 is already releasing in two versions, one with an optical drive and an all-digital one. Reports suggest that Microsoft is also working on more than one version of its Xbox Series X but with a different strategy from Sony's.

Today The Verge reported on Microsoft's multiple next-gen console plans. Their source "familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox plans" confirm a Lockhart profiling mode in dev kits. The latter refers to a second Xbox Series X console version, codenamed Lockhart, which is a less powerful but cheaper entry into next-gen gaming. The Lockhart profiling mode allows developers to toggle "Lockhart mode" and gauge how their games will perform on the weaker hardware, which is geared towards 1080p or 1440p gaming.

The Verge's report also mentioned that Lockhart's specs include "7.5GB of usable RAM, a slightly underclocked CPU speed, and around 4 teraflops of GPU performance". For comparison, the known Xbox Series X (codenamed Anaconda) includes 13.5GB of usable RAM, and targets 12 teraflops of GPU performance.

Moreover, The Verge's claims are supported by a recently-leaked Game Development Kit release from June 2020 which mentions support for "AnacondaProfiling" and "LockhartProfiling" modes:

The leaked document also mentions Project Scarlett consoles, without specifying the number of these next-gen devices:

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Given these leaks and Microsoft's silence on the issue, we should take the news with a pinch of salt before we get any official announcements. Until then, would you prefer the option of a cheaper next-gen Xbox?

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This multiple systems malarky is taking the piss imo. At one point, the weaker systems will be abandoned by developers. 1/3rd the performance is not great, and I doubt it'll be much cheaper than the "full" version.
 
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Arras

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That seems like a massive power difference, to the point where I wouldn't be surprised to see stuff have to be gimped to run on it, or not run at all. A mid-gen power upgrade like the PS4 Pro and Xbox Whatever Letter It Was I can see the use of, but this just sounds like a recipe for trouble down the line.
 
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Is anyone really surprised by this? The PS4 Pro and Xbox One S/X opened the floodgates for this to happen. It gives the companies the opportunity to market their machines as "starting at £/$X...." which is great for them, and it also allows those on a tight budget to still enjoy "next gen" gaming which is also great.

The only real downside to this is if it means devs have to make sacrifices when developing a game in order to support both machines and also any extra development time needed to do so.
 
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Zense

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This is hardly surprising at all. As stated above, it's called "xbox series..", so of course there's gonna be more.

Also we've been hearing about a supposedly new switch pro since the first year of the switch but here we are with the only upgrade being the Mariko.
 
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Also the diference is massive if developers must code with 4tf and 12 that is gonna be a huge diference... seriously that is like running a game on ps4 and have the same game running on the wiiu since even switch to ps4 isnt that majpor of a diference

ps4 base model is 1.84tf and switch is arounf 0.7
while xbox is goona make consoles playing the same games with 4 and 12?the switch games need to be chagnegd alot to even run and devs will take how many hours if their games must be playable on both models? that makes no sence imo.
 
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StarGazerTom said:
This multiple systems malarky is taking the piss imo. At one point, the weaker systems will be abandoned by developers. 1/3rd the performance is not great, and I doubt it'll be much cheaper than the "full" version.
Click to expand...

It reminds me of a certain other thing...

https://www.slant.co/topics/3723/~best-steam-machines

It's funny how MS is trying to copy Valve and possibly repeat its mistakes...

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

shaunj66 said:
Is anyone really surprised by this? The PS4 Pro and Xbox One S/X opened the floodgates for this to happen. It gives the companies the opportunity to market their machines as "starting at £/$X...." which is great for them, and it also allows those on a tight budget to still enjoy "next gen" gaming which is also great.

The only real downside to this is if it means devs have to make sacrifices when developing a game in order to support both machines and also any extra development time needed to do so.
Click to expand...

Actually, it was the Steam Machines that kind of introduced the concept to the market. The reason it didn't work out was because Steam Proton wasn't a thing at the time, and, as customizable as the SCs were, the Steam Controller just isn't the absolute best option for every game out there.
 
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Xzi said:
I can understand wanting to make a cheaper option, but 4 tflops? Why even bother when the XB1X manages 6? Just give that a price cut instead and extend support for it through next gen.
Click to expand...
Because of price target could be 199 or even 99 plus you still have Project X Cloud
 
DAZA

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Choice is what the people want.. not everyone wants the best.. not everyone can afford the best but they can enjoy a variation at their budget and microsoft's varied price points.. sounds like a thought out plan

Question is...... do you get first release version of the top spec console or do you hold out for the 2nd major revision and scaled down size wise..
 
Goku1992A

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As much as I like Microsoft I don't agree with this at all... Just make one console and just do the PC route Low/Medium/High/Ultra settings therefore you can pick the settings based off of your television. Some people don't own a 4K TV... I just bought a 4K TV recently so I been playing my games on 1080p... This gen we have Xbox One / Xbox One S/ Xbox One X/ I understand the "cheap model" and the "premium model" but sometimes peoples economical status change and they don't want to reinvest more $$$ into a system or take a financal loss selling their older system for a better one.

Charge $500 and call it a day. I'm pretty sure game stop would have the trade in credits and etc... but making too many variants of a console isn't a good thing. "Cough switch lite"
 
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