Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division recently shared an update on their plans for the platform, putting to rest rumors that the company is getting out of the console game. In a blog post on Xbox Wire, Jeff Rubenstein confirmed that Xbox consoles will continue to provide a flagship experience for players and that Game Pass will only be available on Xbox platforms.
But the real surprise came when the conversation turned to hardware. Sarah Bond, one of the executives, revealed that there are exciting hardware updates coming this holiday season. She also mentioned that they are focused on delivering the largest technical leap ever seen in a hardware generation.
The announcement has sparked speculation about what these hardware updates could be. Many are wondering if Microsoft will follow in Sony’s footsteps and pivot their focus to next-gen hardware. With the release of the Xbox Series X and Series S last year, it wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft is already working on their next console.
In a recent Xbox business podcast episode, the team discussed these hardware updates in more detail. While the discussion was brief, it provided some insight into what players can expect. The podcast episode is available for those who want to listen to the full conversation, with the hardware discussion starting at the 17:41 timestamp.
The blog post on Xbox Wire also mentioned a “robust and innovative multi-year hardware roadmap,” suggesting that Microsoft has big plans for the future. This has led to speculation about the possibility of handheld devices being part of their future plans. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has been liking tweets about handhelds, further fueling these rumors.
However, there is some concern about the future of physical copies of Xbox games. The wording in the blog post suggests that retailers may be phasing out physical copies, and future iterations of the Series X console could be digital-only. This aligns with the industry trend towards digital distribution and could be a way for Microsoft to streamline their gaming ecosystem.
Overall, Xbox players can look forward to major hardware updates this holiday season. While the exact details are still unknown, Microsoft’s commitment to delivering a flagship experience and their focus on the next generation of hardware indicate that exciting things are on the horizon. Whether it’s a new console, handheld device, or other innovative hardware, Xbox fans have a lot to be excited about.