Microsoft Project Scorpio news, specs, features: Microsoft to launch latest console in 2017

Although Microsoft's upcoming console codenamed Project Scorpio isn't expected to launch anytime soon, details about the upcoming console are already being teased. Project Scorpio will be equipped with an Xbox 360 backwards compatibility feature, Xbox lead engineer Mike Ybarra revealed.

Ybarra divulged the latest information on Twitter. Ybarra responded to a follower's question on the social media platform. The user asked the lead engineer if "Red Dead Redemption" will be playable on the upcoming console. "360 Backwards compatibility will of course work on Scorpio. #xbox," he tweeted.

The Microsoft Xbox team has reportedly been trying to revive older 360 games for the Xbox One. The company even added backwards compatibility support on Xbox 360 games for the Xbox One last year, which has made it possible for gamers to access over 250,360 titles. A few of the franchises that are now playable on the Xbox One are the "Halo" titles, "Red Dead Redemption" and "Blue Dragon."

According to IBTimes, head of Xbox Phil Spencer previously revealed that the company is striving to create a gaming community which doesn't require them to create a new console every couple of years. With Project Scorpio's Xbox 360 backwards compatibility, Microsoft seems to be placing their plan in action.

According to GameSpot, Project Scorpio will reportedly have an 8-core CPU. It will also be powered by a graphics card which will have 6 TFLOPs of power. Gamers will be able to play their favorite titles in 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Rumor has it that the device will be able to support virtual reality. Although it hasn't been confirmed by Microsoft, reports are suggesting that the forthcoming console will cost around $600.

Microsoft's Project Scorpio is expected to launch next year, just in time for the holiday season. The company should unveil the console's final name near the expected launch date.