Xbox
If the latest leaked Xbox Series X ports mockup is to go by, it appears that Microsoft has come up with a single HDMI port and USB-A ports and not USB-C. (Photo: steamXO/flickr)

Microsoft has recently filed a patent application for some interesting things with its next-generation gaming console, Xbox Scarlett. The patents could be the two unannounced features of Microsoft's upcoming gaming console. Additionally, these patents were filed in 2018 but were only published last October 3.

On Twitter, a user named WalkingCat recently shared his discoveries from the USPAP. The leaker uncovered a couple of US patents for Microsoft that describes a 'six degrees of freedom' input device and a virtual reality floor activity mat. The Twitter user also shared images showing a stylus, boundary mat, a VR headset, motion controllers, and Xbox Kinect camera.

This triggered speculation from Xbox fans that these could be some of the features of Xbox Scarlett. The VR part is something that the Redmond-based tech giant is definitely invested into despite that we do not currently see them doing anything about it in the nearest future. One of the recently published patents is the VR mat, which comes with a boundary that marks the limits of the player's play area.

The second patent describes a motion controller that can be used with one hand and comes with a thumbstick to enable traditional control input alternatives. The same patent additionally mentions a stylus, which functions as an input device that can be used alongside the console and the motion controller. Although some of these may be in the research stage or in the development phase, it could also indicate that the company is working on VR for the Xbox Scarlett. This is not surprising because Sony has PlayStation VR and is even rumored to have a 3D holographic accessory for the PlayStation 5. Also, Phil Spencer has repeatedly stated that they are interested in VR technology for their Xbox gaming consoles. However, it is worth noting that these patents are in no way any official confirmation that Xbox Scarlett will indeed feature a VR when it releases.

A week ago, we have confirmed from Microsoft's representative that Xbox Scarlett will not feature a 4K camera contrary to rumors that the console's devkit has one. The same report claims that Sony's PlayStation 5 has a built-in camera, but, so far, Sony has not responded to the said claim. What we know so far is that Xbox Scarlett will feature dedicated ray-tracing cores.

Xbox Scarlett is slated to officially release in Holiday of 2020.