Xbox Series X: Phil Spencer Sparks Speculation About August Event

Phil Spencer has said that news on backwards compatibility for Xbox Series X should be coming in August, sparking speculation that the previously-rumoured August Xbox event (and possible Xbox Series S reveal) event is legitimate. Speaking on iJustine's Same Brain podcast, Spencer discussed the work of the backwards compatibility team on Xbox Series X, and praised their work on optimizing older games for the next-gen console. He then added: "I'm encouraged to be able to talk more about it - should be August. I think August we'll have more to say on that." While Spencer is specifically referring to backwards compatibility news, many have connected the August timing to previous rumours about an Xbox event set to take place during the same month. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/01/interview-head-of-xbox-phil-spencer-unlocked-437"] Those rumours point to the formal announcement of Xbox Series S (or Xbox Lockhart), a lower-priced, lower performance version of the Series X. It's not too much of a speculative leap to imagine that the backwards compatibility news could apply to how older games will perform on the new console model. Earlier this week, we saw an image of a supposed white Xbox Series X controller surface, which added to the Lockhart buzz. If true, it would mark the second major Xbox event in two months, following the Xbox Games Showcase - we thought some of that show worked, and some didn't, so hopefully Xbox will be reacting to those concerns in any future events. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.