This week would have been the beginning of E3 2020 had the event not been closed this year due to COVID-19. Lots and lots of digital events have been announced (and then delayed) to take its place with probably the centerpiece being the PS5 reveal event where we will (maybe) see the console for the first time. But, if rumors are to be believed, it may not have been the only next generation system unveiled this week.
While Microsoft revealed their Xbox Series X last year, there has been persistent rumors of the Xbox Lockhart, a lower end, cheaper version of the Series X that would either launch at the same time as the Series X or soon after as a more affordable option for customers. VentureBeat‘s Jeff Grubb has been running the rumor gauntlet and, according to him, the original plan was to unveil Lockhart tomorrow, June 9th, but they decided to push it back largely because they didn’t want to show it before the PS5. It’s now expected to be shown in August, though that could change.
“One notable move is Microsoft’s unannounced June Xbox event. The company was aiming to show off the long-rumored, more-affordable Xbox Lockhart around June 9. But it pushed those plans all the way to August — at least for now. Microsoft doesn’t want to go before Sony’s Thursday event.”
Of course, we’re in rumor land right now, so take this as you will. Why Microsoft would want to go after Sony is possibly a price issue, since it seems neither company wants to be the first to show what these machines will cost. Maybe they are hoping Sony will finally throw up the pricepoint to undercut it afterward with a cheaper alternative. It could also just be a regular schedule change in these chaotic times. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated.
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