E3 2019 has kicked off with a bang, with Xbox revealing a tonne of news and announcements for gaming fans to look forward to, including a new console and an incredible lineup of 60 games for both console and PC, including Gears 5 and Halo Infinite – not to mention an on-stage appearance by Keanu Reeves to reveal the release date for the hotly-anticipated Cyber 2077, due to hit shelve on 16 April 2020
Read a summary of the key announcements below, and for the full rundown, check out the official Xbox Wire post.
Project Scarlett – four times more powerful
Project Scarlett’s reveal sets a new bar for console power, speed and performance. Landing in holiday 2020 alongside Halo Infinite, the upcoming console will be powered by a custom-designed processor, leveraging the latest Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture from AMD, in paired with high bandwidth GDDR6 memory, and a next-generation solid state drive (SSD.)
This combination will allow Project Scarlett to deliver a whole new level of immersion for gamers, while giving developers the power they require to bring their creative visions to life. Featuring hardware accelerated raytracing, variable refresh rate, 8K capability and ultra-low latency input, Project Scarlett will deliver a new level of fidelity, precision and accuracy never before seen in console gaming.
In addition, Project Scarlett will continue Microsoft’s commitment to compatibility by ensuring that your gaming accessories and Xbox career will also move forward with you, along with thousands of games across four console generations which will look and play best on Project Scarlett.
Bringing Xbox to the cloud
Xbox is also empowering gamers to dive into the action wherever they are, by bringing Xbox to the cloud. Launching in a preview this October, you can stream games from your Xbox One console, opening up access to your Xbox One game library and Xbox Game Pass titles on your mobile device.
The Xbox E3 Briefing also marked a new milestone for Project xCloud, with E3 2019 attendees being among the first in the world to play Xbox One games like Halo 5: Guardians and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice streaming on smartphones and tablets. With Project xCloud, Xbox is investing to ensure players have the choice and freedom to play the games they want, with the friends they want, how and where they want.
The world’s most advanced controller
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 also graced the stage at E3. Inspired by fan feedback, it’s been designed with the most passionate gamers in mind. The second iteration of the fan-favorite Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, has been re-engineered for ultimate performance, customisation, and durability, and includes 30 new and improved features such as adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wraparound rubberized grip, shorter hair-trigger locks, and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life.
The Elite Series 2 will launch in 24 markets on November 4 for $179.99 USD/£159.99 GPB/€179.99 EUR, and is available for preorder now.
Games galore
With thousands of Xbox games in development, Xbox offered glimpses at 60 different games from all over the globe, including blockbusters like Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Elden Ring. Xbox fans were also invited to venture into the action-fueled world of CrossfireX, coming first to console on Xbox One in 2020 with special content for Xbox Game Pass members, and into the blocky depths of Minecraft Dungeons, coming to Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.
For the full list of games shown at the E3 Xbox conference and for more information, please visit the official Xbox Wire post.
