Microsoft today revealed some new details regarding their much anticipated next console, due for release around Christmas 2020.
They also had some updates for fans regarding backwards compatibility and the continuing Game Pass subscription service.
From Xbox News:
"We know you expect the next generation of consoles to set new standards in graphical power and processing speed, converging together in games that look incredible and feel alive. This will be defined by worlds that are visually astounding and immediately immersive, with innovative leaps in CPU, GPU and storage technology to give you frictionless access to new stories and new creators constantly."
Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox
And we couldn’t agree more with that outlook based on the information they’ve presented us with today:
The system runs on an AMD custom processor with an AMD RDNA 2 GPU containing 12 Teraflops of performance – this is 8 times as powerful as a standard Xbox One, and twice as powerful as the Xbox One X, enabling much higher framerate support and the ability for developers to create larger and more sophisticated game worlds.
Variable Rate Shading (VRS) enables more efficient usage of the GPU for key regions rather than uniformly across every pixel on the screen. Which according to Xbox will improve resolution and frame-rates with no impact on final image quality.
Hardware-accelerated DirectX Raytracing – a first for console gaming. This means true-to-life lighting, accurate reflections and realistic acoustics in real time as you explore game worlds.
SSD Storage for much faster processing than standard HDD
A New ‘Quick Resume’ feature lets you continue multiple games from suspended state, and resume them in an instant without loading or menu screens.
Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) is an optimization of player to console control that seeks to synchronize all input with as little Latency as possible.
Smooth 120 fps support allowing developers to create future games with heightened realism and fast-paced action.
Backwards compatibility applies across all 4 generations of the Xbox – some titles excluded, and the best part is; the tech mentioned above also extends to backward compatible titles which will also see improvements in the form of steadier framerates, faster load times, improved resolutions and visual fidelity – and none of it requires waiting for updates from developers.
Smart delivery is a new service that ensures once you buy a title on Xbox one, it’s yours to use on either console where it will detect and download the version for the console you are using.
Xbox Game Pass, will continue support across both Xbox One and the new Series X. With development into this next generation sporting the likes of Halo Infinite, as a launch title.
What a list of improvements!
There sure to be much more to come In the following months leading up to the release in late 2020 - including that ever elusive price tag. So stay tuned and subscribe to Gaming Australia for your up to date Gaming News!
Luke Nixon
