Leaked Documents Hint at a Second Next-Gen Xbox

Newly leaked Microsoft documents heavily hint at the existence of a second next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Lockhart. The existence of this second console has been rumored for a while now. It’s been said to be a cheaper, less powerful alternative to the already announced Xbox Series X. Microsoft has yet to confirm whether or not it is actually real, but all signs are pointing in that direction.

As reported by The Verge, the leaked documents were posted on Twitter. They make reference to a Lockhart profiling mode for developers to work with that is part of the Series X development kit. This profile mode consists of the targets that Microsoft wants developers to hit for the console. The Verge understands that system will have 7.5GB of RAM for use, a CPU speed that is a bit underclocked, and a 4 teraflop GPU. Lockhart will also be aiming for 1080p and 1440p resolutions for gaming. For comparison, the Xbox Series X has about 13.5GB of RAM available for use and a 12 teraflop GPU, and is targeting 4K resolution for gaming.

Microsoft first announced its next-gen console as Project Scarlett at E3 last year, before officially revealing the Series X at The Game Awards in December. The company has yet to formally announce this second console and have not acknowledged its existence to this point, but it would make sense for the console to be in development.

The Xbox Series X is a very powerful console, so it’s likely to be an expensive one as well. Being able to release a cheaper console that isn’t as powerful, but still allows fans to play all the next-generation games is a smart way to get people to buy in and possibly upgrade to a Series X down the road if they so choose. It also allows them to release at a cheaper price than their rival Sony and possibly gain a market lead when the consoles launch this holiday season. Perhaps we’ll find out if this console is real later this summer.