Microsoft’s next console, ‘Xbox Series X’ is launching holiday 2020

Microsoft gave the world its first look at the next Xbox during The Game Awards. It’s called Xbox Series X, and it’s coming holiday 2020.

The system looks more like a PC tower than a traditional console. It is more vertical than horizontal. Before today, Project Scarlett was the machine’s code name.

The company refreshes gaming consoles every few years. The last major release — the Xbox One — launched in 2013. An improved version of that console, called the Xbox One S, came out in 2016, followed by the One X in 2017.The Xbox Series X will come with a new Bluetooth-enabled controller that’s a little smaller than previous ones, which may be friendlier to hands of different sizes. Microsoft has not yet announced a price for the console itself.The unveiling comes a couple of months after Sony confirmed that its next console, the PlayStation 5, will also launch in 2020 for the holiday season. That system is expected to have faster load speeds, better graphics and improved audio. What the PlayStation 5 looks like, though, is still a mystery.