Those bulky power bricks are history, at least for Xbox consoles. Microsoft engineers somehow managed to squeeze the power supply unit (PSU) into the Xbox One S despite its slimmer design. Now folks at Windows Central have learned from anonymous sources that the upcoming Project Scorpio would also have an internal power supply unit. It will also offer 4K video streaming.
Project Scorpio to feature HEVC and VP9 codecs
The bulky external power supply units cause all kinds of inconveniences to the user. The Xbox One S with its internal PSU was well received by users, so the feature was expected to come to the Project Scorpio. The upcoming Scorpio is touted to be the world’s most powerful gaming console. It will have six teraflops of graphics processing power, virtual reality support, and true 4K gaming experience.
The Scorpio is being designed for true 4K experience in all aspects such as gaming, streaming, and media consumption through Netflix and Hulu. Sources told Windows Central that Project Scorpio would feature the same HEVC and VP9 codecs for 4K streaming as the Xbox One S. The new console will also use the same HEVC for recording and streaming at 2160p, 60 frames per second (fps) for Game DVR.
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No need to buy external capture cards
Microsoft has already been running 4K stream tests for its Beam streaming service. Sources told Windows Central that Scorpio’s Game DVR would also record and stream videos in 4K and 60fps. It means the new console will be a huge upgrade from the current Xbox One’s 720p and 30fps. Users will no longer have to purchase the expensive external capture cards.
Microsoft is widely expected to unveil the Project Scorpio at E3 in June. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer indicated earlier this month that the Redmond-based company could hold an event before E3 to announce the new console. Since Microsoft traditionally focuses on software at E3, Spencer doesn’t want the hardware to take up most of the time at E3 in June.
Microsoft may hold a pre-E3 event for Scorpio
Spencer suggested that Microsoft may announce the console at the special event and then talk more about it at E3. Microsoft has also confirmed that it would bring mixed reality content to Project Scorpio, Xbox One and Windows 10 sometime next year. Mixed reality involves scanning real-life objects and placing them in virtual reality (VR). Scorpio is said to be a premium console with a relatively higher price tag.
Just a few days ago, Microsoft listed Project Scorpio on its official store. But the company hasn’t yet started accepting pre-orders for the console. At this point, it merely allows interested buyers to enter their email addresses to get a notification when the product becomes available. The console would go on sale ahead of the holiday shopping season this year.