Microsoft has confirmed its commitment to the Xbox brand and its hardware future, teasing a “largest technical leap” for the next-generation console and hinting at the development of unique types of Xbox hardware, including a potential handheld device.
Next-Generation Xbox
During an official Xbox podcast, Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed that the next-generation Xbox will deliver a significant leap in technology, making it better for players and creators. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer also spoke to The Verge, confirming that the Xbox hardware teams are exploring new and unique types of hardware.
While Spencer did not explicitly mention an Xbox handheld, he has expressed interest in handheld devices and has been liking posts on social media that mention the possibility of such hardware. Microsoft has not officially announced an Xbox handheld, but the company has a history of teasing future hardware, as seen with the Project Scorpio, which later shipped as the Xbox One X.
The next-generation Xbox is expected to be released in the coming years, with some rumors suggesting a 2026 launch. Microsoft has also been working on a disc-less Xbox Series X refresh and a new Xbox controller, as leaked in court documents.
Future Hardware Plans
The company’s future hardware plans will be shared as soon as Microsoft is ready, according to an Xbox blog post. Microsoft’s Xbox business is the third largest within the company, thanks to the Activision Blizzard merger, but it is still an important part of the brand.
We’ve got more to come. There’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday. We’re also invested in the next-generation roadmap. What we’re really focused on there is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation, which makes it better for players and better for creators and the visions that they’re building.
In addition to the next-generation console, Microsoft is also looking to bring four of its games to other platforms, including live-service and smaller titles, but not heavy hitters like Starfield or the Indiana Jones game. This move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to expand its gaming reach and revenue, which has grown significantly since the Activision Blizzard acquisition.