Xbox Scorpio Not for Poor, 1080p Plebeians

So, at this year's E3, in addition to showing off a bunch of new games and features, Microsoft also decided to show off it's brand-new Microsoft 1.5, Scorpio--the most powerful gaming console ever made. it has more memory, runs better, and has more graphical fidelity, which means it'll be competitive with state-of-the-art gaming PC's for about six months after launch, at which point it'll be obsolete again. But, while Microsoft certainly wasn't wanting for praise for this new device, it wasn't as substantial as some would like as to what it would actually... you know... have. Like a price tag.

Price remains unknown, but today, Xbox Boss Phil Spencer made it abundantly clear while speaking with Eurogamer that whatever it's going to cost, it's going to be too rich for my blood.

" Scorpio is not going to do anything for [a standard 1080p TV]. Scorpio is designed as a 4K console, and if you don't have a 4K TV, the benefit we've designed for, you're not going to see. Clearly, you can buy Scorpio, and if and when you decide you want to buy a 4K television to take advantage of the increased performance, obviously the console will be ready for you.

So, Scorpio is for the person who's got a 4K television, who's really focused on 4K gaming. It's going to be a premium price over what we're selling this one for, and both of them will exist in the market at the same time. Scorpio is for your 4K gamer. And that's what we designed it for."

So, if you really wanted that shiny new coat of paint, you're not going to get it without a high tech TV. A bummer if you're a graphics nut, but, on the bright side, you won't be missing any content:

When you're buying a console game from us, you know that console game will run on your original Xbox. No-one gets left behind. We said that on stage. Your Xbox One S and Scorpio. That's an important design point for us. They're all part of the same family. And we want to make sure just like when you're buying your music today, you don't worry about upgrading to a new phone that somehow won't play your old songs or your new songs. We think about your Xbox One collection of games that will move with you between those different consoles.

So, that's nice--especially since this Scorpio is apparently going to cost an arm and a leg. So, to all you 1% out there: enjoy your fancy new Xbox One. And for everyone else: fear not. Just another have for the haves, and a not for the have-nots. Weep bitterly if you think it will ache the pain in your heart, but... it won't.

Sucks, right?