Microsoft's Project Scorpio, aka "the most powerful console ever" is official and users should see one under their Christmas trees in 2017.
The console is a revamped Xbox One model that can easily run 4K-native games, and will feature virtual reality support due to its mighty six teraflops of power.
Xbox Chief Phil Spencer has talked to The Verge about the importance of the new hardware, which is much more than just a new console.
"It's a dramatic step up for us in terms of hardware capability," Spencer notes.
He adds that, with Project Scorpio, Microsoft will succeed in bringing 4K gaming and top of the line VR experiences to consoles.
According to Microsoft, all Xbox One variants will have equal access to the games library. The only difference between the Scorpio and the Xbox One, for example, is that the former will see no frame rate drops thanks to its state-of-the-art specs.
Shifting the attention towards VR, Microsoft is not ready to reveal the partner it chose for its headset integration. However, Spencer points out that the six teraflops of processing power on Scorpio are a resource that many headset manufacturers will want to tap into. According to him, Microsoft will not craft its own headset for virtual reality.
He explains that Project Scorpio is built in such a way that plugging a third-party headset in will work without breaking a sweat.
Take note that it is not common for OEMs to reveal new consoles so early on, and Microsoft's PR might just be reacting to Sony's similar announcement concerning a much more powerful PlayStation console. At the same time, Spencer underlines that his company's statement is a measure of its transparency toward its clients.
He mentions that he aims to put himself in the client's position. As such, it is paramount that customers get as much information as possible before they make hardware upgrades. This might be a subtle hint for users to wait until next year before upgrading their Xbox One.
Spencer also has an eye fixed on developers who want to plan ahead for the 2017 holiday, and he is confident that gaming companies are taking Scorpio into account when working on new releases.
"I see the next inflection point as 4K, and I want to make sure we have a console there to support that," he affirms.
Although Microsoft did not specify any release date, Project Scorpio should roll out during next fall.
If you're a Fallout 4 and an Xbox fan, you might want to know that Todd Howard, Bethesda's creative director, recently said that a VR version of Fallout will land on Project Scorpio.
