Project Scarlett’s name will mirror the console’s capabilities, Microsoft says

Project Scarlett’s final name will reflect the console’s capabilities, the head of Xbox has said.

Launching holiday 2020 alongside Halo Infinite, Scarlett will follow in the footsteps of 2001’s Xbox, 2005’s Xbox 360 and 2013’s Xbox One.

Xbox boss Spencer explained how the platform holder names its consoles in an interview with Stevivor.

“Our naming convention has been around what we think the capabilities are,” he said.

“Xbox 360 was about the entertainment experience around the box and the box being in the center of that entertainment experience.

“Xbox One, if you remember our branding early on, was ‘always on input, all in one’. Those names were really built around the purpose of the box.

“I don’t feel like I need to follow in their footsteps because they’re kind of self-contained,” Spencer said.

Sony recently confirmed its next-gen console will be called PlayStation 5 and launch holiday 2020 too.

As with PlayStation 5, reports claim much of Xbox Scarlett’s focus will be placed on NVMe SSD proprietary tech, which will dramatically increase load speeds.

It’s claimed that Xbox will use the tech in conjunction with its Project xCloud streaming platform to virtually eliminate wait times when downloading games.

The SSD tech will also apply to legacy Xbox One titles, with games featuring unlocked framerates benefiting from Scarlett’s increased hardware specs.

Spencer previously said Microsoft is prioritising improved frame rates and playability over graphical enhancements for Xbox Scarlett.