While its console continues to fall short in terms of exclusives, Microsoft experienced a recent resurgence after “winning” 2018’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. Admittedly, this accomplishment had more to do with Sony misguided attempt to play around with its conference’s format, but Xbox One owners were treated to a constant stream of exciting titles slated for a release in the next couple of years. With the Xbox One X hitting the scene during 2017, Microsoft must be considering the future. At the next E3, we could be in for an exciting new reveal that launches the next generation!
Learning a thing or two from PlayStation 3’s terrible launch window, the Xbox One stumbled out of the gate due to a string of tone-deaf marketing mistakes by Microsoft. When it comes to units sold, Sony’s PlayStation 4 is so far ahead, there is barely any point in comparing the two consoles. Even though the Xbox One failed to come close to matching the success of its predecessor or main rival, that is not to say Microsoft has failed to do anything right; in fact, the brand has been on an upward swing since Phil Spencer took over as the brand’s Executive President of Gaming! While the Xbox One’s game lineup leaves a lot to be desired, especially when contrasted with the PlayStation 4 or Nintendo Switch, Microsoft seems primed and ready to turn the tide during the upcoming generation!
Here are 25 current rumors about the Xbox 2020 (the next-gen Xbox)!
25 Is It The Netflix Of Gaming?
Be it on a PC or phone, Phil Spencer expressed a desire to facilitate the possibility of playing Xbox games everywhere. Microsoft’s Play Anywhere service grants PC and Xbox owners the opportunity to shift between their console and Windows 10, although this move presented another reason against buying the Xbox One. Similar to Sony’s much-maligned PS Now subscription, a cloud-based streaming service seems to be next on the cards for Phil Spencer’s Microsoft. While it could definitely work, such a service is way too dependent on the user’s internet connection. Considering Sony seems to be contemplating adding a “download” option to its version, streaming feels more like a gimmick than the next step in gaming.
24 Physical Game Disks Might Be Done
Slowly but surely, digital gaming has taken over as the default format. The introduction of a streaming service might spell the end for physical copies, but a former PlayStation Chief believes discs should survive for another generation. Andrew House stressed that streaming will change gaming, but other methods are predicated to remain viable. Even though each format has its positives and negatives, the pleasure of visiting a store and scouring through a sea of titles has yet to be replicated by any digital store.
23 It Won’t Do VR
In 2016, Phil Spencer mentioned that virtual reality was in the works for Project Scorpio; unfortunately, Xbox One X shipped without any futuristic headset. While there are probably many reasons for Microsoft decision to omit VR, the Xbox One X’s exorbitant price tag must have been a factor. While some hoped the Xbox Two would launch Microsoft’s voyage into digital worlds, Spencer squashed that dream by stating they have no plans to pursue VR. At this point in time, augmented reality hardware demands such a hefty price that including it with the basic console is simply not feasible.
22 Single-Player Games Are Priority #1
Taking a brief break from its onslaught of trailers, Microsoft allocated a short portion of its E3 conference to announce the acquisition of Playground Games, Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games. While the first two developers were Microsoft studios in everything but name, the same cannot be said for the latter purchases. Brimming with confidence after the release of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Ninja Theory is primarily known for its single-player titles, an area that Xbox has struggled in recent years. Hopefully, Microsoft learned a thing or two from its handling of Rare and makes better use of its new toys.
21 Cross-Play With Everything
Over the last couple of months, Sony has vigorously tried to squander any goodwill amassed due to the PlayStation 4’s success. Nintendo and Microsoft poked the bear by publishing a strange commercial promoting cross-play, a feature that should become the norm. As one of the most lucrative genres in the business, multiplayer titles depend on an active player base to earn money, so cross-play benefits everyone. Minecraft and Fornite suggest that Microsoft has fully embraced this practice; in a rare turn of events, Sony is the company playing catch up.
20 Codename: Scarlet
In the lead up to the release of 2017’s superpowered console, the name Scorpio made the rounds. Eventually, this was proven to be nothing more than a codename and Xbox One X was the device’s actual moniker; however, Microsoft published a couple of special “Project Scorpio” editions for those willing to pay extra. As a marketing strategy, it makes sense to brand the console with a simple but memorable production name like “Scarlet.” While it remains to be seen whether Microsoft continues to release special “project” editions, Xbox Scarlet does have a cool ring to it.
19 How Much Will It Cost?
Realistically, the Xbox 2020 is unlikely to offer a substantial upgrade over the Xbox One X. Launching with a price tag of $499, the 2017 console primarily targetted a select group of gamers yearning to experience the next technological leap in gaming, but the entry fee asked for too much from casual gamers. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Microsoft needs to design a superior console that, somehow, costs less money. The Xbox is playing catch up to its main rival, so Microsoft might be tempted to undercut Sony’s launch price for the PlayStation 5.
18 They’re Going To Jumpstart Next-Gen (Sorry, Sony)
A basic understanding of patterns is enough to suggest that the 8th generation is slowly winding down. Putting aside the Nintendo Switch, Microsoft and Sony have dedicated the last five years to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 respectively; however, the former has far more incentive to bring this era to an end. As a result, Microsoft declaration that the Xbox 2020 is in development should come as no surprise to most gamers. After failing to build momentum throughout this entire generation, a fresh start is exactly what the doctor ordered for the brand.
17 Fresh Blood
A team cannot compete without the correct players, so Microsoft has spent the last couple of months scouring the industry for talent. When dealing with such a massive company, job listings came and go at a moment’s notice, but recent moons support the fact that the Xbox 2020 is truly in development. Alongside Microsoft’s aggressive E3 conference and studio-related shopping spree, the brand appears to be fully committed to creating the definitive 9th generation console. History might look back on the Xbox One as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
16 Xbox 2020 S (Or X Or Scarlet)
Ever since gaming’s sixth period, Microsoft and Sony have embraced the idea of publishing mid-generation smaller editions of their consoles. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One marked the first time the rivals attempted to render obsolete their own current devices. Marketed as the definitive way to play, the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X were slightly too pricey for the average consumer. The latter received a particularly huge push by Microsoft, so the company might consider coming out of the gate with multiple Xbox 2020s. If nothing else, an Xbox 2020 S will surely be on the cards.
15 Gaming On A Budget
We already touched upon this subject, but technology has arrived at a point were minor upgrades are the norm. Microsoft set the standard with the Xbox One X, so the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox 2020 must surpass the world’s most powerful console. At the bare minimum, 4K gaming needs to be included, so the rivals cannot afford to cut costs. As an alternative, Microsoft should consider releasing a budget console that offers the basic gaming experience without some of the other bells and whistles. By releasing multiple iterations of the Xbox One, the company set a precedent for dividing its customer base by price.
14 Keyboard & Mouse Is Coming
With plans to inaugurate a keyboard and mouse peripheral for the Xbox, Microsoft attempts to blur the lines between PC and console gaming is set to reach an enormous milestone. As controllers are far less ideal for shooters, competitive gamers greeted this headline with far more scorn than enthusiasm. This late in the game, it is safe to assume that any technological twists proposed by Microsoft are testing the waters for the upcoming console. Variety is generally a good thing, but this addition further cements the Xbox as a glorified mid-tier PC.
13 Inclusivity (Not Not Like The Wii)
At the moment, practically nothing is set in stone with regards to the Xbox 2020; nevertheless, history tends to provide a clear indication of what the future holds. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced an Xbox Adaptive Controller designed specifically for players with disabilities. Millions considering gaming to be their main hobby, but many cannot experience the joy of consoles due to the limited controllers. While third-party companies have attempted to answer this call, Microsoft was the first of the big three brands to propose a solution. Hopefully, this trend continues to gain traction and influences Sony and Nintendo.
12 Game Pass Is The Future
Microsoft’s lack of exclusives has made the brand an easy punching bag, but this shortcoming should not overshadow some of the company’s excellent recent plans. Bar none, the Xbox Game Pass offers the best value for money on the market. Recently, Microsoft confirmed that any first party games will be added to the service on their release date. Sea of Thieves and State of Decay 2 launched with a readily available player base, so multiplayer games should benefit from a longer shelf life. As the Xbox One’s bright spot, Microsoft would be crazy to not double down for the next generation!
11 It Will Play Everything (Even Games From 2001)
Besides the Xbox Game Pass, Backward Compatibility presents another incentive to pick up an Xbox One. Expanding to include titles from the original Xbox, Microsoft has shown a genuine dedication to developing this fantastic feature; seriously, anyone who has never owned an Xbox console should consider taking the leap. After committing so much time and energy to Backward Compatibility, the company cannot just abandon the concept, so the Xbox 2020 should continue its predecessor’s good work. In theory, this implies that Xbox One games are destined to be playable on its successor and we are not talking about quick remasters.
10 GwG’s End?
PlayStation Plus and Games with Gold demand that customers pay a fee to play online. Considering that every gamer is already financing their own internet service, free games are supplied to lessen the feeling that these services are blatant cash grabs. With the introduction of Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s Games with Gold feels somewhat pointless. Just to be clear, the monthly “free” games are covered by the cost of the subscription; otherwise, they would be accessible once the account is no longer active, which is only the case with the Xbox 360 Backward Compatible titles. Either combine the two subscriptions or reduce Games with Gold’s price tag.
9 Play Anywhere, For Real
Simultaneously fantastic and a disaster, Play Anywhere allows Xbox One exclusives to be played on a Windows 10 enabled PC. On the one hand, this is a cool gimmick that extends the reach of Gears of War and Halo; on the flip side, the Xbox One feels somewhat redundant. Why pick up a console when a cheap PC can run the same games? Rather than introduce a new infrastructure, Microsoft plans to periodically update Windows 10, so the operating system will still be the default option in 2020. Play Anywhere is here to stay.
8 Lesson Learned
There were many factors at play that instigated the lackluster reception that greeted the Xbox One. Besides the idiotic choice to include the Kinect as a compulsory accessory, Microsoft’s decision to market the console as an entertainment system suggested a failure to understand their target audience. Just to squash any potential misunderstandings, we want our consoles to run 4K Blu-rays and stream Netflix, but those features are merely an added bonus to games. Microsoft’s E3 conference sold the image of a company that has learned from its past mistakes!
7 Xbox Two
Obviously, Microsoft is unlikely to pick Xbox 2020 or Scarlet as the moniker for its next console, so most publications have opted to go with Xbox Two as the unofficial name. Admittedly, this is nowhere near as catchy as “Xbox One” and, at the very least, we are a year away from a confirmation. While the PlayStation’s name remains relatively predictable, Microsoft could realistically jump to any number. How about the Xbox 1000? Or, could an Xbox 361 be on the cards? Microsoft might even throw a curveball and drop the number completely!
6 Give Them Till 2020
The 6th and 7th generations of gaming lasted around seven years, although Microsoft dropped their original Xbox after only four. By 2020, the Xbox One would have celebrated its seventh anniversary, so the time seems about right to introduce its successor. The Xbox One X throws a small spanner in any plans, as the world’s most powerful console would only be a couple of years old and the Xbox 2020 has to be a significant improvement to justify its existence. Otherwise, there would be no point in upgrading the console.
