Microsoft teased its plans for next-generation Xbox {hardware} again in February, saying that it was focussed on delivering the “largest technical leap” for a brand new console technology with the subsequent Xbox. Now, extra particulars about Microsoft’s plans for its subsequent console have emerged, reiterating the identical declare. An inside e mail shared with Xbox employees has revealed that Microsoft is “transferring full velocity forward” on its next-generation Xbox {hardware}.
In a latest e mail to staffers, Xbox president Sarah Bond shared Microsoft’s plans for the subsequent Xbox console and revealed the formation of a brand new group engaged on preserving Xbox’s present library of video games for future {hardware}. A Home windows Central report revealed components of the e-mail Sunday, shedding a little bit extra mild on the subsequent technology of Xbox consoles.
“We’re transferring full velocity forward on our subsequent technology {hardware}, centered on delivering the largest technological leap ever in a technology,” Bond reportedly mentioned within the e mail, reiterating her declare from February, when she first talked about Microsoft’s {hardware} dedication on the Official Xbox Podcast. On each events, Bond has stopped wanting increasing on what “the largest technological leap” would construe in actual world efficiency.
The e-mail, nonetheless, does affirm that Microsoft is tough at work on the subsequent Xbox, nevertheless it stays unclear at which stage of growth the corporate’s next-generation console {hardware} is.
Microsoft’s id as a platform proprietor has come below pressure of late as Xbox Sequence S/X console gross sales lag far behind Sony’s PS5 and Nintendo Swap. After a number of leaks and rumours, the corporate introduced in February its plan to launch a few of its first-party video games on rival platforms. Its resolution to launch some Xbox unique titles on PS5 and Nintendo Swap and a sore lack of triple-A exclusives by itself platform have left the Xbox father or mother in a perceivably weakened place within the console market.
Microsoft, nonetheless, boasts a powerful portfolio of recreation studios, particularly since its profitable acquisition of Name of Obligation maker Activision Blizzard final 12 months. Whereas the Xbox Sequence S/X consoles have didn’t kick on by way of premium first-party titles to this point, massive upcoming releases like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle will launch this 12 months to probably carry a lot wanted wind in Xbox’s sails.
In her e mail, Bond additionally reportedly mentioned that Microsoft had set a up a group to make sure that present Xbox video games stay accessible on future {hardware}. “We’re constructing on our robust historical past of delivering backwards compatibility to our gamers, and we stay dedicated to bringing ahead the wonderful library of Xbox video games for future generations of gamers to take pleasure in,” the Xbox president mentioned.
Whereas Microsoft has not revealed a launch window for the subsequent technology of Xbox consoles, courtroom paperwork from the FTC trial in June final 12 months revealed that the corporate expects the next-gen Xbox and PS6 to launch in 2028.
