Xbox Scarlett: 9 CONFIRMED Console Details You Need To Know

7. Custom SSD And AMD Chips

Xbox One X
Microsoft

While the architecture of the PS4 and Xbox One was extremely similar, in an attempt to be as developer-friendly as possible, it's still a bit of a surprise to learn that their successors are going to be equally similar. Both Microsoft and Sony have been working closely with AMD, with the former announcing that Scarlett is built around Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture, as well as making use of a custom, in-built SSD.

In the sizzle-reel of developers talking about the next machine, that latter feature was discussed as being the key to the next generation, as Microsoft is keen on maximising the under-the-hood performance of its console. An SSD will massively decrease load times, creating more seamless worlds, and increase how much detail studios can cram into their games without tanking performance.

Consequently, according to Microsoft top brass, the focus isn't purely on how the next generation looks, but how it feels. Interestingly, Sony has pretty much reiterated all of this when talking about their PS5, meaning that both companies are ushering in the same vision of what next generation gaming will be together.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.