Microsoft has confirmed that existing Xbox One accessories will work on its next-generation console, currently called Project Scarlett. The system is due out in 2020 and will bring with it a number of enticing enhancements, including a big improvement in internal hardware performance — as much as four times the power of an Xbox One X — which will give it the ability to support 8K resolution (more likely in video form, rather than rendered graphics) and high frame rates.
For those with existing Xbox Ones, however, there's is some good news. You can bring over all your existing controllers, cameras, headsets, and other accessories, as they should all work just fine with the next-generation Microsoft console too.
"During the Xbox E3 Briefing, we announced that thousands of games across four console generations will look and play best on Project Scarlett," Xbox boss Phil Spencer told Eurogamer at E3. "We also continue our commitment to compatibility by ensuring your Xbox One gaming accessories and Xbox career will also move forward with you. We have nothing further to share at this time."
This was confirmed later on by Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, who made it clear that if gamers go out and buy the new $180 Xbox One Elite 2 controller, they will still be able to use it next year when the new-gen system comes out. Microsoft calls it the most advanced console controller ever made and at that price, it better be, but it also better last longer than a year before it becomes obsolete.
Fortunately, it sounds like that will be the case.