Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. News

Rumored Xbox One hardware upgrade may be built for Oculus Rift VR headset

By

rumored xbox one hardware upgrade features oculus rift support dtdeals dell
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Microsoft will overhaul its Xbox One console with a pair of new hardware revisions launching over the next two years, multiple insider sources told Kotaku this week.

Kotaku’s sources expect a smaller version of the Xbox One to launch later this year, while an upgraded console featuring a boosted GPU and possible Oculus Rift support is due in 2017.

According to Kotaku, Microsoft will likely announce a “cheaper, smaller” Xbox One at next month’s Electronic Entertainment Expo ahead of a retail release later this year. Rumors indicate that the console will see further upgrades in 2017 with the launch of “Scorpio,” a code-named hardware revision that boasts an upgraded GPU capable of supporting 4K resolutions.

Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming
Check your inbox!
Privacy Policy

Citing “three people familiar with [Scorpio]” on condition of anonymity, Kotaku reports that the console’s upgraded GPU will be “technically capable” of supporting the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and compatible games. When approached by Kotaku, Microsoft and Oculus representatives declined to comment on a rumored partnership that would make an Oculus Rift-ready Xbox One a reality.

Polygon corroborates Kotaku’s report with additional sources, who claim that Scorpio “will be over four times more powerful than the current Xbox One.” Polygon’s sources believe that Scorpio will hit retail in “late 2017.”

The Verge, meanwhile, reports that Microsoft is readying “a Chromecast-like device that will work as a basic streaming stick for Xbox digital content,” in addition to a more technologically advanced, Xbox-branded streaming device capable of running universal apps from the Windows Store.

This week’s Xbox One rumors follow up on recent reports suggesting that Sony is planning a similar upgrade structure for its PlayStation 4 console. The rumored PlayStation 4 hardware upgrade, code-named “NEO,” features a faster CPU and GPU compared to current models. Like Microsoft’s Scorpio, NEO will also enable support for 4K/UltraHD resolutions. Documents obtained by Giant Bomb made no mention of a possible connection between NEO and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation VR headset.

Acknowledging Wednesday’s reports, Xbox division head Phil Spencer stated that more details regarding Microsoft’s future plans will be announced at E3 on June 13.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Danny Cowan
Danny Cowan
Contributor
Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…
Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed remakes are in the works
Basim perched on a ledge overlooking Baghdad

In a company interview with CEO Yves Guillemot posted on the Ubisoft website Thursday, the executive reveals that there are remakes of Assassin's Creed games in the works, although he doesn't specify which ones.

"Players can be excited about some remakes, which will allow us to revisit some of the games we've created in the past and modernize them," he says, implying that it could pertain to games made before Odyssey. "There are worlds in some of our older Assassin's Creed games that are still extremely rich."

Read more
Surfaced patent shows what an Xbox streaming console would’ve looked like
An Xbox Series X sits next to both Series S models.

There have been a few Xbox devices that have never come to fruition, one of which was Keystone, a prototype for an affordable game streaming device you could hook up to your TV or monitor. Thanks to a surfaced patent, we've gotten an even closer look at what it would've potentially looked like.

The patent, first spotted by Windows Central, gives us a more complete view of the device. We've previously seen the Keystone in the flesh. Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer is known for hiding teases and interesting collectibles on the shelf in his office. In a 2022 X (formerly Twitter) post congratulating Bethesda on Fallout's 25th anniversary, you can see a small white device on the top shelf that's actually a Keystone prototype. Xbox told Digital Trends that it was a version of the device made before it decided to "refocus our efforts on a new approach.”

Read more
Wordle Today: Wordle answer and hints for June 28
Someone playing Wordle on a smartphone.

We have the solution to Wordle on June 28, as well as some helpful hints to help you figure out the answer yourself, right here. We've placed the answer at the bottom of the page, so we don't ruin the surprise before you've had a chance to work through the clues. So let's dive in, starting with a reminder of yesterday's answer.
Yesterday's Wordle answer
Let's start by first reminding ourselves of yesterday's Wordle answer for those new to the game or who don't play it daily, which was "ORDER." So we can say that the Wordle answer today definitely isn't that. Now, with that in mind, perhaps take another stab at it using one of these Wordle starting words and circle back if you have no luck.
Hints for today's Wordle
Still can't figure it out? We have today's Wordle answer right here, below. But first, one more thing: Let's take a look at three hints that could help you find the solution, without giving it away, so there's no need to feel guilty about keeping your streak alive -- you put in some work, after all! Or just keep scrolling for the answer.

Today’s Wordle includes the letter D.
Today’s Wordle uses two vowels.
Today's Wordle can refer to a large number of animals, particularly livestock like cattle or sheep, that are moving together in a group.

Read more