At E3 2019 Microsoft revealed Xbox Scarlett, their next-generation console powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 processor. For the most part, the announcement lined up with previous rumors about Microsoft’s next gaming machine, with one major exception – the company only revealed a single new console, while previous rumors stated they were working on two.

　　For those who haven’t been keeping up with next-gen rumors, inside sources previously reported that Scarlett was the umbrella codename for all of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox projects, with the company actually working on a pair of machines. One, codenamed Anaconda, was said to be a powerful machine for enthusiasts, while the other, Codenamed Lockhart, was designed to be a less-expensive option for the mainstream gamer. Basically, Anaconda was the Xbox One X and Lockhart was the Xbox One S.

　　Well, according to Brad Sams at Thurrott, who leaked the Scarlett details to begin with, Microsoft has now narrowed its scope to a single next-gen console. Microsoft is now focusing on the more-powerful Anaconda model, with Lockhart being shelved. According to Sams, the decision to focus on a single console was made because developers were having trouble developing for two SKUs. Many were opting to develop for Lockhart first, which resulted in games that weren’t taking full advantage of Anaconda, which is something Microsoft doesn’t want with the powerful PlayStation 5 in the wings. The new plan is to try to push more casual gamers toward Microsoft’s upcoming xCloud streaming service.

　　Of course, take this all with a grain of salt for now, although Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed only one next-gen Xbox is currently in the works…

　　Right now, we’re focused on Project Scarlett, and what we [showed] on stage.

　　Xbox Scarlett (which doesn’t have a final name yet) arrives Holiday 2020. What do you think? Is a simple one-console approach the best bet, or are more options preferable?