Microsoft will reportedly launch a smaller version of Xbox One this year, and a more powerful version next year that includes 4K resolution and Oculus Rift support. (Photo : Twitter/Xbox One )
Microsoft has plans to roll out at least two new Xbox consoles during the next few years. They include a smaller and cheaper Xbox One Slim, and a more powerful system with 4K resolution and Oculus Rift compatibility next year.
The more powerful Xbox model is codenamed "Scorpio." Sources familiar with the project shared that it will have a more powerful GPU, and support the Oculus Rift VR headset.
Meanwhile, the new compact Xbox One will reportedly launch before the end of this year. It will possibly include a bigger 2TB hard drive, which is double the capacity of the largest current model.
It is likely that Microsoft will announce the smaller version of Xbox One at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next month, according to Kotaku.
The two new Xbox consoles are part of Microsoft's business strategy it codenamed "Project Helix." Its goal is to combine Xbox gaming consoles and Windows OS.
The software giant has also announced new exclusive games for Xbox One and Windows. They include "Halo Wars 2."
Meanwhile, the first game to use this strategy was the cancelled title "Fable Legends." It supported the Xbox One and Windows 10 platforms.
Microsoft will also change its method for hardware upgrades. Instead of rolling out one about every five years, it will use Apple's method of launching more hardware releases that include forward/backwards compatibility.
Xbox head Phil Spencer shared in March the company wants its consoles to have PC-like upgrades. The company wants hardware innovations to be added to gaming consoles quickly instead of waiting several years for it to happen.
In related news, a "Rocket League" update adds cross-platform play to Xbox One. The game combines radio-controlled (RC) cars and soccer.
The update was launched at 6 p.m. EST on May 24, Tuesday, according to Polygon. Now the options menu will include a toggle to enable/disable match-making with cross-platform players.
Xbox announced in March that cross-platform play would be added to Xbox One. However, game developers will decide whether to add the feature.
Meanwhile, PS4 users have been able to play "Rocket League" with PC gamers since launch last July. It was launched on the Xbox One console in February.
Here's a video on Xbox One Slim at E3:
