New reports in 2020 suggest that Microsoft plans to release a low-budget version of the Xbox Series X, which will replace the current Xbox One consoles later this year. Nicknamed the Xbox Series S, the new machine would be less powerful than what has been confirmed for the Xbox Series X. We have already heard rumors about the Lockhart project, which are strangely similar to this new Xbox Series S console.
But Microsoft has so far denied any plans to launch such a device as part of its new generation range.
This latest report comes from China and claims that the Xbox Series S will only have a third of the GPU power planned for the Xbox Series X.
According to Notebookcheck, the price of this new Xbox console will be much lower and the lack of power will be compensated by the use of AMD’s advanced RDNA technology.
RDNA will be better than the current GCN 4 architecture, which would offer a better experience than the current Xbox One X, with its 6 TLFOPS.
The good news is that this latest report claims that an announcement will soon be made by Microsoft, which means that we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out if it’s true or not.
The idea that Microsoft is planning a cheaper second console makes sense, but it could also complicate matters when it comes to marketing the devices.
The tech giant will certainly not want consumers to mix up between the Xbox Series X and the S Series, especially if one is much less powerful than the other.
2020 already promises to be a difficult year for tech companies, as they face problems created by the Coronavirus. Microsoft recently confirmed in a statement that it expects its revenues to be affected by the epidemic, although no reference has been made to Xbox activity.
“While Microsoft is closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 health emergency, our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and communities.
“On January 29, as part of our call for results for the second quarter of fiscal 2020, we published quarterly revenue forecasts for our more personal IT sector between $ 10.75 and $ 11.15 billion, which included a wider range than usual to reflect public uncertainty. health situation in China.
“Although we see strong Windows demand in line with our expectations, the supply chain returns to normal operation at a slower pace than expected during our second quarter earnings call.
“As a result, for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, we do not expect to meet our guidelines for the Personal Data Plus segment, as Windows OEM and Surface are more negatively impacted than expected. All other components of our forecast for the third quarter remain unchanged. “
Meanwhile, in other news related to Xbox One, Microsoft has confirmed the latest closed beta test for Bleeding Edge. The full game’s release date is March 24, 2020, which means there won’t be a lot of waiting between gameplay tests.
Next Friday will see the start of the new beta test of Bleeding Edge which will take place until March 16, or whatever local time is indicated. This will be available to all pre-order customers on Xbox One, Windows 10, and Steam.
And as an added bonus, anyone with a valid Xbox Game Pass membership will also have the same access privileges.
A message from Microsoft adds: “Our second and final closed beta version is coming soon, from March 13 to 16. Be sure to pre-order Bleeding Edge on Xbox One, Windows 10, or Steam, or become an Xbox Game Pass member if you “love to play!”
“We will be posting more information on upcoming features, server schedules and pre-installation soon. Stay tuned here on Xbox Wire for all the latest news from Bleeding Edge.”
