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Xbox Project Scorpio release date, price rumors: Premium console to cost $800

The upcoming Xbox One console developed by Microsoft, which is codenamed Project Scorpio, is expected to launch in a few months time. The gaming device will highlight several new key features that the preceding unit doesn't have. It is believed to be the first ever 4K gaming console produced by the company.

Xie Enwei, general manager of management and operations of Microsoft in China, speaks during the presentation of the Xbox One by Microsoft as part of ChinaJoy 2014 China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference in Shanghai July 30, 2014. | REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Microsoft's version of the Xbox One, which will boast a ton of improvements, is also expected to be quite pricey. iTech Post predicts that Project Scorpio will be a premium device; hence, it will also come with a rather expensive price tag. Although it is not as affordable as the standard console, its latest features will explain the price increase. The news outlet believes that this gaming device will be a direct competition for high-end gaming PCs as well as the PlayStation 4 Pro. Project Scorpio will reportedly cost at least $800. Compared to high-end PCs built for gaming, which can cost up to $2,000, the $800-console seems like a better alternative.

Project Scorpio will be five times more powerful than the current Xbox One version, Mobipicker reported. In terms of gaming experience, the console will reportedly be capable of rendering visual details at 60 Hz. This ability will lead to a smoother gaming experience, and it is expected to reduce lags when played on TV screens.

Since Virtual Reality (VR) has been the latest trend in the field of gaming, Xbox Scorpio might just be compatible with a VR headset. Reports say that the console isn't expected to launch with a headset, but Microsoft going to include support for existing VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive.

Microsoft has yet to confirm the latest reports about the device's price and features, so tech enthusiasts should treat the recent claims as speculation until proven otherwise.

Watch out for more updates on the Xbox Scorpio.