Having First-Party Titles Ready For Project Scorpio Launch Is “Critical,” Says Xbox Boss

Ensuring that its first-party titles are ready for when Project Scorpio launches later this year is of “critical” importance to Microsoft, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said. Answering questions regarding the new hardware over on Twitter, he said “having our 1P [first party] games ready for Scorpio is critical,” after being asked if the console would have any launch titles. Given the Scorpio’s nature, that it’s an upgraded and more powerful Xbox One, one can only assume that Spencer’s answer pertains to Microsoft wanting the majority of its upcoming and possibly existing titles to have dedicated Scorpio support similar to how the PS4 Pro operates.

Like Sony’s spruced up PlayStation 4, Scorpio owners will be able to use all existing Xbox One games and accessories with the device, and while Spencer says that Microsoft is “very focused” on its core library of first-party titles, third-party games will also be able to benefit from the boost in power. When asked if consumers needed to worry about the future of new software, Spencer responded, “I’ll be careful about when we announce things but I know strong 1P is critical.”

Very focused on 1P games. I'll be careful about when we announce things but I know strong 1P is critical.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 22, 2017

Microsoft has yet to release the exact hardware specifications for the Scorpio, but if its previous comments are to believed, then it could well prove to be considerably more powerful than the PS4 Pro, and if you’re concerned that will necessitate a high asking price, Spencer has stated previously that the Scorpio isn’t intended to compete with high-end PCs and will stick to a console price-point.

For those looking for more specific answers, it’s likely you’ll have to wait until this year’s E3 in June to get them. While it’s not out of the realms of possibility that Microsoft will lift the lid on the console prior to the year’s biggest gaming exhibition, it seems to be the most logical choice. Either way, when the big day does roll around, we’ll be sure to have all the relevant details. Stay tuned.