Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox at Microsoft, reportedly dispelled rumors of the tech giant’s departure from the console business. Contrary to widespread speculation, Microsoft unveiled a comprehensive multi-year roadmap, promising a console upgrade that they boldly claim will represent “the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.”
With the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, now surpassing three years since their debut, anticipation has been mounting regarding what the next generation of Xbox will bring to the table. While Microsoft had intended to keep their plans tightly under wraps, documents inadvertently leaked by the US Federal Trade Commission during Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision have provided enthusiasts with a tantalizing glimpse of what to expect from the forthcoming console.
For devoted fans eagerly awaiting news of the next-gen Xbox, rumors had been rife for some time. However, in a special edition of the Official Xbox podcast, Xbox president Sarah Bond dropped subtle hints suggesting that the company was indeed laboring over a new Xbox, potentially the much-discussed disc-free iteration of the Xbox Series X.
According to the leaked FTC documents, Microsoft is already in the throes of development for a new console, possibly a fusion of cloud and client gaming platforms. These documents indicate that the upcoming Xbox will be finely tuned for “real-time gameplay and creators,” poised to surpass the performance capabilities of standalone client hardware.
Further insights into Microsoft’s ambitious plans were revealed through a leaked presentation slide shared by The Verge. The comprehensive roadmap outlined therein suggests that the tech behemoth will commence design work in 2024, with development kits slated for release in 2027. Additionally, the report unveiled that the initial stages of developing hybrid cloud games will persist until 2026.
Despite the wealth of information provided by these leaks, specifics regarding the design and specifications of the upcoming console remain shrouded in secrecy. However, industry speculation points towards the likelihood of the next Xbox being powered by an AMD chipset, aligning with prevailing trends in gaming technology.
Moreover, the leaked documents hint at a departure from Microsoft’s traditional seven-year upgrade cycle, with plans to launch the next-gen Xbox tentatively scheduled for 2028. This strategic shift underscores Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and underscores their determination to push the boundaries of gaming technology.
As enthusiasts eagerly await further details and official announcements from Microsoft, the anticipation surrounding the next generation of Xbox continues to mount, fueled by tantalizing leaks and the promise of unparalleled technological advancements.
