After numerous reports, rumors and speculations, Microsoft spoke plainly yesterday and refuted almost everything that came across the internet when it came to hardware. And while there were no concrete details, we now know a little more about the future of the Xbox platform.
What hasn’t passed through the internet in the past few days? Admittedly completely without evidence, but at least statements such as “Microsoft is no longer building consoles” to “an Xbox handheld is coming” to “Microsoft is going multiplatform” were floating through the digital channels.
Since last night’s Xbox podcast we know: it’s all nonsense, at least largely. Sarah Bond, Matt Booty and Phil Spencer didn’t go into too much detail, but at least we now have a rough idea of what Microsoft is planning in terms of hardware for the coming years.
Reports that Microsoft will no longer build an Xbox have been completely debunked, as a roadmap for the next generation apparently exists. “We’re investing in the next generation roadmap. We’re focused on making the biggest technical leap ever in a hardware generation. That makes it better for players and developers and the visions they create.” said Bond.
What and when something will happen, and how the technological leap will be implemented affordably, remains open for the time being. What is at least certain is that Xbox hardware remains an issue. At the time, documents from the negotiations with the FTC surrounding the Activision-Blizzard takeover revealed that Microsoft was expecting the next generation in 2028. To what extent this is still relevant remains to be seen.
There was a clear rejection of rumors about an Xbox handheld: “I’m a big fan of handhelds. I’m a big fan, but nothing to announce.” Spencer pointed out that Windows and its usability on the small screens of ASUS ROG or Legion Go, for example, is still a problem that needs to be worked on. This does not rule out a handheld, but nothing is to be expected in the medium term.
However, new hardware is still to be expected, as Sarah Bond announced: “There are some exciting hardware products that we will be introducing during the holidays,” she said. Bond did not comment on details, but it cannot be ruled out that a refresh of the Xbox Series consoles will be presented by the end of the year. The first indications of a purely digital console upgrade with more performance and a larger SSD already appeared in the FTC documents.
The previous reports that Microsoft is saying goodbye to the Xbox as hardware are therefore irrelevant. The fact is, however, that Microsoft wants to bring some previously exclusive titles to other platforms. However, these are apparently smaller titles like Pentiment or Hi-Fi Rush as well as profitable service games like Sea of Thieves and possibly Grounded. However, the general model of exclusivities and Game Pass should not be changed.
This video summarizes the most important presentations from last night’s Xbox Developer Direct for you.
