Xbox Scorpio: What we know so far

Microsoft is expected to unveil more details on the much-anticipated Xbox Scorpio console next week at the E3 2017 event.

xbox scorpio
Microsoft

Microsoft is expected to unveil more details on the much-anticipated Xbox Scorpio console next week at the E3 2017 event. With its premium specifications, the console is such a promising device that the gaming space has been looking after its developments. Here's what has been revealed so far.

Power

Running on a custom graphics component with up to six teraflops, Microsoft's next-generation console is assumed to be the most powerful yet in the market; that is if the PlayStation 5 rumours telling it has up to 10 teraflops is not true. Currently, the PlayStation 4 Pro has a supreme computing power that is available on the market with up to 4.2 teraflops. The PlayStation 4 has around 1.8, while the Xbox One has around 1.3.

For the uninitiated, more teraflops mean game developers can make larger, more complex virtual universes. However, it does not necessarily link to a faster performance because other factors have to be considered, such as GPU architecture, core speed, etc. Six teraflops are comparable to Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card.

Resolution

Being the most advanced console available now, the PlayStation 4 still struggles to fully support the 4K performance of many video games. The arrival of Xbox Scorpio can be a game-changer in terms of visual performance as Microsoft is using 11 gigabytes for memory to support 4K resolution, even leaving enough room for other visual improvements. Xbox product director Kevin Gammill says, "Any 900p or better title would be able to easily run at frame-rate at 4K on Scorpio".

It is important to note that even without a 4K television, gamers will still get a better visual with native 4K assets due to hardware-based scaling.

Price

Microsoft is expected to drop the Xbox Scorpio at US$299 for the 500-gigabyte version, US$349 for the 1-terabyte version, and US$399 for the 3-terabyte edition. Some of the titles confirmed coming with the console include Battlefield 1, Ark: Survival Evolved, Final Fantasy XV, Forza Horizon 3, and Gears of War 4.

This article was first published on June 9, 2017
READ MORE