For the most part we may already know the Xbox One’s release date, price, and specs, but Microsoft and Xbox are still teaching a thing or two to the masses. The next-generation Xbox One console is notable for being an all-in-one entertainment system that includes recording and sharing in-game footage. However, it became clear today that despite how clear a respective game’s resolution is, the Xbox One will only stream the video in 720p. The Xbox One is due out in November and will cost a reported $499.
According to Engadget, who received the information via Platform chief Marc Whitten during a panel, “the resolution will be limited to 720/30p video, even if the game itself is higher resolution (Forza Motorsport 5 is 1080/60p, for instance).”
As a consolation, though, Whitten added further that the Xbox One will also be able to automatically record the last five minutes of the user’s gameplay, while also saving the last 30 seconds of action on command without interrupting gameplay. All video footage will be stored accessibly through the cloud, affording users the ability to edit and share content via Upload Studio, a platform for editing, theming, and sharing video content.
Surely these features and more will be put on display at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany on August 20 and running through August 25. Here, we’re expecting at the very least the rest of the 15-game lineup that was promisedat the reveal event earlier this year. Of those, eight are expected to be completely brand new franchises while the rest will build upon their respective series predecessors, like the ever-popular Call of Duty installments.
This limitation in video resolution could be a tipping point for the Xbox One in its perpetual battle against rival Sony’s PlayStation 4. The PS4 will compete viably against the One, though neither device has shown anything that really separates itself from the pack. Little things like 720p resolution only for streaming video content is just another aspect for Sony to jump on in order to promote its own console.
