Update: Microsoft US has reached out to say: "This is a translation error. We have not announced any timeframe." It seems Jeremy Hinton's comments were misrepresented in the original piece by GameMeca when it was published, and they'll probably be updating their article soon too.
Original article:
Microsoft kicked off E3 2018 with a strong showcase, debuting various new titles while committing to future investments via five new development studios. Although new hardware was absent, its conference wrapped up with a brief tease of future Xbox devices in the works. Reiterating the company's commitment to industry-leading hardware, Xbox head, Phil Spencer announced its hardware team is "deep into architecting the next Xbox consoles."
Following the high note of Xbox One X, details on forthcoming hardware are currently limited. We already know Microsoft is developing a new Xbox product with a rumored "Scarlett" codename, though we're yet to find out more on the project itself.
While discussing the Xbox One's struggle to maintain traction in Korea, Xbox Business Lead for Asia, Jeremy Hinton, has reportedly expanded on Microsoft's next-generation console hardware. Speaking with major Korean gaming outlet, GameMeca, Hinton claims engineers are aiming to announce the console "next year." Below we have a translated excerpt from the article, provided to Windows Central by a professional translator.
Lastly, Hinton made an announcement in regards to the surprise news about the next Xbox which was announced on the 10th during the Xbox showcase. Many engineers are working hard to announce the new console by next year and doing their best to announce it as soon as possible. However, he said if there is no awareness of crisis or clear policy to improve the Xbox market in the country, it should not be forgotten that releasing the new console could be an obstacle to success.마지막으로 힌튼은 10일 Xbox 쇼케이스에서 마지막에 깜짝 발표된 '차세대 Xbox' 콘솔에 대한 소식을 전했다. 많은 엔지니어들이 내년까지 신형 콘솔을 발표하기 위해 열심히 일하고 있으며, 최대한 빠른 시일 내에 공개하기 위해 노력하고 있다는 내용이었다. 그러나 국내 Xbox 시장에 대한 위기의식과 뚜렷한 개선 정책이 없다면, 신형 콘솔이 나오더라도 정작 MS 자체가 흥행 걸림돌로 작용할 수도 있다는 사실을 잊지 말아야 할 것이다.
It appears Microsoft is still deep in the console development process and is some way out from a formal announcement. It's possible the rumored Xbox Scarlett could debut at E3 2019 in some capacity. If true, it's unclear how large of a presence it would have – while "Project Scorpio" was announced at E3 2016, its full unveiling was held one year later. As for Korea, it appears that Hinton sees a new Xbox creating more challenges while attempting to gain a foothold in the region.
If Microsoft sticks to these outlined plans, this likely puts new Xbox console hardware on track for a 2019, or more likely 2020 release. After the release of Microsoft's 4K-driven Xbox One X, what comes next could be promising.
We've reached out to Microsoft for an official response to this report.
