New Xbox is already being used, says console boss – and you might be secretly playing against someone on it

'It's started...'

Microsoft's executive vice-president of Gaming Phil Spencer announces Project Scarlett, the next Microsoft console to be released in 2020 (EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT)

The new Xbox is already in at least one person's house – and you might be playing against people who are on one without realising it.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed that he has a version of the console in his house and is currently playing it.

As well as suggesting that you could match with Mr Spencer and be playing against the unreleased console, his announcement confirmed a series of details about Project Scarlett, as the upcoming Xbox is known.

It suggests that, as previously mentioned by Xbox, the console is able to use existing accessories and play existing games.

The announcement also indicates that despite a full release not being expected until the end of next year, the console is already stable enough to become Mr Spencer's "primary console".

"And it’s started….this week I brought my Project Scarlett console home and it's become my primary console, playing my games, connecting to the community and yes, using my Elite Series 2 controller, having a blast," he wrote on Twitter.

"Great work by the team, 2020 is going to be an incredible year."

Mr Spencer's tweet came as a rumour suggested that Microsoft will actually release two versions of the Xbox next year. In addition to the powerful, primary release, there could also be a cheaper version that does not have a disc drive, one rumour suggested.

Both Xbox and PlayStation have been unusually transparent about the development of their new consoles, both of which are expected at the end of 2020.

Microsoft has revealed some vague specs for the new console – but plenty still remains unknown about it. PlayStation has taken largely the same approach, revealing small details slowly.