The Xbox Series S Might Have Just Been Leaked?

Earlier this month, Sony finally unveiled the PlayStation 5. While many are still arguing whether or not they are going to purchase the router or mini-fridge (Xbox Series X), a bigger question remains. For those who are considering purchasing the PlayStation 5, will you be purchasing the base model or the diskless version? At the moment, there has been no official announcement made by Sony regarding the price differences between the two. Early today, a Twitter user known as TitleOS released images alluding to Project Lockhart. For those unaware, Project Lockhart is rumor to be the Xbox One S equivalent of the Xbox Series X, so the Xbox Series S.

More proof of Lockhart, this time from the XDK/GDK release notes for June 2020. pic.twitter.com/hulDoC9owv

— TitleOS (@XB1_HexDecimal) June 24, 2020

The images depicting Project Lockart aka Xbox Series S (XSS) comes from the Game Developer Kit released this month. These notes indicate to developers that in Lockhart mode, the system specs will be lower than the Xbox Series X (XSX). The Lockhart (Xbox Series S) specs indicate 7.5 GB usable RAM, 4 teraflops of GPU, and a “slightly overclocked CPU speed.” These specs mean the Xbox Series S would still be powerful, just not as powerful as the Xbox Series X. Supposedly, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S should run at 1080p or 1440p.

Lockhart has been previously referenced in Xbox One software along with side the Series X (originally nicknamed Anaconda) and in the developer kit (Dante). This version would have the XSS coming in at 7.5 Gbs vs the XSX 13.5 GBs. In performance speed, the S will have one third the power compared to the Series X’s 12. How will this difference impact gameplay of CyberPunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or Halo Infinite?

Xbox Series S To Be Announced in July?

At the moment, Microsoft has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of an alternate next-gen console; however, we could see Microsoft announce the digital version during their press conference next month. The announcement of a less powerful next-gen Xbox would come as no surprise; this alteration encourages digital downloads and diskless gameplay. We will just have to wait and see. Will you consider purchasing a cheaper next-gen console?