If a new leak is to be believed, the less powerful, long-rumored "Project Lockhart" version of the next-gen Xbox Series X is real and might not run games at native 4K resolution. The next-generation console wars are finally in full swing, with both Microsoft and Sony confirming the look and specs of their powerful new machines while remaining committed to delivering them to stores before the end of 2020. The PlayStation 5 will release in two models, one with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray drive and one without. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X is the only next-gen machine officially confirmed by Microsoft, a disc-drive-bearing beast rivaling the former PS5.
In the years-long lead up to the latest console war, rumors and speculations suggested that there would be two Xbox models, codenamed Anaconda and Lockhart, with the latter being a less powerful alternative for budget-conscious players uninterested in Ultra HD resolutions and physical game purchases. It's still unknown if those rumors were true, but if they were, then the Anaconda model eventually became known as Xbox Series X. Meanwhile, the Lockhart edition has been missing from Microsoft's marketing, but it's possible the company is saving the reveal of the new device for a later date, or even after the launch of the Xbox Series X.
According to leaked Microsoft documents released on Twitter and procured by Mobile Syrup, the Lockhart is real and intended to coexist alongside the current Xbox One and the Xbox Series X. If the leak is legitimate, then perhaps Microsoft will properly announce the system at their upcoming July event. However, one element working against this leak is an obvious typo where the rumored system is referred to as "Lockhard." While not impossible, it seems unlikely such a prominent typo would appear on an official Microsoft document.
The idea of Project Lockhart is controversial among some corners of the gaming community. The idea of Xbox Series X games being hobbled to accommodate a weaker Xbox model doesn't sit well with a portion of the fandom, but Microsoft seems dedicated to a cross-gen future. The company already announced that major first-party exclusives will be playable on the old Xbox One, at least for the first year or so. If Microsoft truly believes in a cross-gen future, then Lockhart could provide a comfortable middle ground between the Xbox One and the beefy Xbox Series X.
At this point, Lockhart isn't official - it's just murmurs and rumors that should be taken at face value. Regardless, it's important to note how Microsoft is beginning to run a different race than Sony and Nintendo. Between initiatives like the Xbox Game Pass and Project xCloud, Microsoft's next gen outlook stands out from the traditional "the same, but more" approach employed by Sony. With this new approach to next-gen, maybe Lockhart will fit right in with Microsoft's plans for the Xbox Series X.
Sources: Mobile Syrup, TitleOS