Xbox 2: Everything We Know (Release Date, News, Specs)

Microsoft confirmed they were working on their next-gen console, Xbox 2 at E3 2019. Codenamed Project Scarlett, this new console looks set to be a powerful game-changer that could even give the PS5 a run for its money. But, how much do we actually know about Xbox 2? Read on to find out.

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Xbox 2 Release Date

While we don’t have an exact date just yet, we know that Xbox 2 will be released for Christmas 2020. This means it’s likely to be in direct competition with the PS5 release which is predicted to launch at the same time. When we look back at previous Xbox releases, the end of November seems to the standard, and this lines up perfectly with what we already know. I’d get writing those 2020 Christmas lists now.

Even without a date, we do know that the console will be launching with a new Halo Infinite game alongside it. The perfect Christmas gift for gamers who love a good shooter.

Xbox 2 Games

We still don’t know much about what games we can expect to launch on the Xbox 2, but what we do know might surprise you – they won’t be VR. After initially wanting to focus on introducing VR with their Xbox One X console, Microsoft has now revealed that they have no plans to include VR capabilities with the Xbox 2. This is sure to anger gamers who have been awaiting an Xbox VR since Sony introduced the technology with their previous PS4 console. 

But, VR unreadiness aside, we do have some game information to discuss.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Announced at The Game Awards 2019, this game is as visually stunning as it is exciting. It will release alongside the new console later this year. This will be an Xbox exclusive game, releasing simultaneously on Xbox 2 and PC. There’s no word yet on whether it will only be available through the Microsoft store, though.

Halo Infinite

Microsoft has already confirmed that Halo Infinite will release alongside their next-gen console. It’s the only game we know for sure will be launching on the Xbox 2 so far, but we have our theories about what other titles will be joining it. We’re starved for details on the newest Halo game, just as we are with Xbox Two – but we’ll be keeping a close eye on both of them over the next year. 

Dying Light 2

OK, so this is total speculation. But, since we don’t have a release date for this follow up to one of the most popular zombie games of recent times, we wouldn’t be surprised if Xbox manages to snag it for a next-gen console release. Of course, Dying Light 2 will not be an Xbox exclusive game though. So this means we might get it over on Sony’s PS5 at the same time. One can only hope.

Xbox 2 Backwards Compatibility

Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox 2 will come with backwards compatibility all the way to the Xbox 360. That means all your old games that you miss and cherish will be immediately available for you to play on launch day. The 360 games are dependant on developer support, but we’re hoping this doesn’t hold back Xbox too much as they try and make this console work for our old libraries.

Xbox 2 Specs

From everything we’ve heard about the Xbox 2, or Project Scarlett, we expect this to be one seriously powerful console. Although the Xbox One X is already capable of playing 4K titles, Microsoft is claiming that the Xbox 2 will be four times as powerful as it’s predecessor. So, let’s take a look at what kind of Xbox 2 specs we can expect to see.

It will have 8K capabilities

If it’s going to be four times as powerful as the Xbox One X, then this isn’t really a surprise. Especially since the PS5 has also come out with similar claims. They also expect to be able to run games at 120fps, although we’d be surprised if that was the case when it came to 8K.

We’ll get ray-tracing

Again, no real surprises here. Ray-tracing is pretty much a pre-requisite for next-gen consoles and games at this point. We expect real-time ray tracing to become the new norm for gaming across the board thanks to the Nvidia RTX graphics cards and the launch of the Xbox 2 and PS5 next year.

Next-generation SSD

One of the big focuses of the new trailer for the Xbox 2 was around seriously reducing loading times. They claim this new integrated SSD will be bringing 40x better performance than previous consoles – an impressive claim. For RPG players like myself, this is a HUGE deal. No more twiddling your thumbs in those awkward loading scenes while you wait for the game to catch up with you.

Final Word

Whether you’re usually more of a Playstation player than Xbox, or even if you avoid consoles like the plague (which we know more than a few of our readers do), the details around the Xbox 2 are exciting stuff. Improved graphics, faster loading speeds, backwards compatibility, and some awesome games on the horizon – what’s not to love? Looks like it might be time for me to dust off my old copy of Fable II from back in the 360 days and gear up for a new console to take center stage.