Xbox glossary: The terminology of Xbox Scarlett and Project xCloud

Microsoft is gearing up to kickstart the next generation of Xbox consoles, with work seemingly underway on a new wave of cutting-edge hardware. It's a vibrant time in Redmond, with plans for a duo of future-facing boxes, scaling an adaptive streaming service, and laying foundations for the next decade of gaming. Our next-generation Xbox glossary rounds up the essentials to know, including codenames, leaks, and more.

Understanding Xbox in 2019

Microsoft has established an extensive Xbox ecosystem, spearheaded by Xbox One S and Xbox One X, also steadily expanding to Windows 10 PCs and mobiles. The next generation of Xbox seemingly aims to bolster the platform with two all-new Xbox consoles, further diversified by a new Xbox game-streaming service dubbed "Project xCloud."

While formal details on what's next for Xbox are scarce, credible reports outline plans for a 2020 release. Below you'll find more than a dozen terms and codenames you need to know ahead of E3 2019, where we expect to learn more about the console.

• Anaconda
• Anthem
• Cloud Aware
• Danta
• GameCore
• Lockhart
• Maverick
• Project xCloud
• Ray tracing
• Scarlett
• Solid-state drive
• Touch Adaption Kit
• Zen 2

With Project xCloud and future Xbox consoles still in early stages, expect more specifics in the months ahead. As we receive fresh details on the future of Xbox, more additions will hit this list.

Anaconda

Microsoft's upcoming next-generation flagship bears the reptilian "Anaconda" codename, slated as its high-end console akin to Xbox One X. Packing top-tier hardware, Xbox Anaconda is expected to rival the upcoming Sony PlayStation 5, boasting cutting-edge performance at launch. Its leading power will pair with a high price tag, kicking off next-generation gaming as a console for enthusiasts. Official word on this beastly box is limited, though we currently expect a holiday 2020 release date.

Anthem

With work underway on its Project xCloud game streaming service, Microsoft is reportedly scaling a platform codenamed "Anthem," using custom datacenters built on Xbox One hardware. Comprised of current Xbox One S consoles stripped down to custom server blades, it allows streamed titles to run in a native environment. Early deployment of Anthem xCloud hardware is underway at Microsoft's Quincy, Wash., data center, recently shipping a "Take Home" build for testing.

Cloud Aware

Microsoft further expanded on its Project xCloud plans at the Games Developer Conference (GDC) 2019, detailing development tools to adapt titles for cloud streaming. Upcoming "Cloud Aware" APIs allow developers to deploy tailored cloud-specific, device-aware alterations for a smoother transition outside the living room. Examples provided vary from minor interface tweaks to fully overhauling save systems for mobile players.

Danta

Xbox Anaconda will be Microsoft's 2020 front-runner, kicking off its next-generation ambitions with considerable power under the hood. Microsoft is getting the upcoming console in studios as soon as possible via the Anaconda development kit, reportedly codenamed "Danta," according to Thurrott.com. This device should pack similar hardware to the final retail release, like with additional capabilities for development purposes.

GameCore

With a vast hardware lineup planned for the next generation of Xbox, GameCore completes the puzzle with new software. Extending upon Microsoft's ongoing work with Windows Core OS, GameCore is a rumored fresh host for titles on Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs. The platform is designed to streamline development further and remains an understated but principal component of the future of Xbox.

Lockhart

While Xbox Anaconda is Microsoft's next-generation powerhouse, work is underway on an entry-level console codenamed "Lockhart." As we exclusively reported in December, Lockhart is an Xbox One S-style device, focused on balancing next-generation performance and affordability. We're hearing Xbox Lockhart performance falls close to Xbox One X, although reworked with new hardware and refinements.

Maverick

Leaks of Xbox Anaconda and Lockhart surfaced alongside "Maverick," a codenamed digital-only console based on the existing Xbox One S, ditching its internal disc drive. The console has since launched as the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, lowering the console retail price to $249. This streamlined design is otherwise identical to its predecessor, with shared internals and performance. The focus now shifts to next-generation consoles, potentially marking the final revision of the Xbox One.

Project xCloud

Streaming is the next hot topic in gaming, with Microsoft, Google, and others doubling-down on cloud-based services. Project xCloud is Microsoft's codenamed game-streaming platform, migrating full-fledged Xbox One gaming to the cloud. Leveraging custom-built servers based on Xbox architecture, Microsoft plans to deliver low-latency, low-bandwidth streaming across the globe. Project xCloud's initial rollout will first target Android mobile devices, with early public testing on track for sometime in 2019.

Ray tracing

Interest and investment in ray tracing are rising, with NVIDIA's GeForce RTX GPU lineup and PlayStation 5 both tailored for the technology. This advanced rendering technique elevates video game lighting and better simulates how light interacts with virtual objects. It's the next advancement in lighting and reflections, with a profound impact on the portrayal of scenes. Although unconfirmed for Microsoft's console, a focus from competitors indicates a likely role in the future of Xbox ambitions.

Scarlett

As we first reported in 2017, Xbox Scarlett is the codename for the upcoming class of next-generation of Xbox hardware. Scarlett encompasses Anaconda and Lockhart consoles, advancements in Project xCloud, and future endeavors all under a single family.

Solid-state drive

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are expected to be featured in upcoming Xbox consoles, shifting away from mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) of the Xbox One S and Xbox One X. SSDs boast improved performance and reliability over HDDs, sporting flash memory over a spinning platter. High-speed SSDs in future Xbox consoles can hugely improve load and render times, shaving off those seconds for more gaming.

Touch Adaption Kit

During the early stages of Project xCloud, Microsoft has focused on developer tools for the platform. The Touch Adaption Kit is one of several components, allowing studios to produce custom touchscreen layouts. Mobile phones and tablets are xCloud's initial focus, and engineering specific arrangements for titles will ease the transition to glass input.

Zen 2

Like existing Xbox One consoles, Microsoft and AMD will partner to deliver the "secret sauce" for coming Xbox hardware. Both Xbox Anaconda and Xbox Scarlett are expected to feature custom CPU based on AMD's seven-nanometer Zen 2 CPU microarchitecture, serving the brains to achieve 4K resolution at 60 frames-per-second (FPS) gaming. As reported by Brad Sams, this custom system-on-chip (SoC) could be codenamed "Arden."

What's next for Xbox?

As with all in-progress projects, keep in mind that Microsoft's future Xbox plans can change. Bridging a broad assortment of concepts beyond consoles, products and their specifics will likely evolve throughout development. However, with Xbox Scarlett and Project xCloud proposing the widest reach yet, the coming console generation could venture into promising new territory.

Let us know your thoughts on the road ahead in the comments.

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