The next generation of consoles is already the subject of much discussion. Unfortunately, the current economic climate could well delay manufacturers' plans and have a significant impact on their strategy.
In a new article, Jez Corden, a journalist at Windows Central, has provided additional details about the future Xbox machine. This iteration will be crucial for Microsoft after the successive commercial failures of the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
These rumors describe a console that is the result of close collaboration between the gaming division and the division responsible for Windows. The goal is to create the smoothest possible user experience. Corden describes the machine as the most ambitious gaming project in the company's history.
While a 2027 launch has been mentioned in the past, this release window is currently the ideal scenario for the brand. No specific date has been set or even discussed internally. Microsoft seems willing to delay the release to focus on quality. This will also depend greatly on improvements and other advances on the Windows 11 side.
According to the report, the multinational company is committed to delivering a high-end experience, with prices that could be higher than those of the current generation. Various hardware options are mentioned, with third-party brands such as ASUS potentially manufacturing next-generation Xboxes at varying price points depending on the components used. The desire here is not to abandon less affluent customers who may have opted for a more affordable Xbox Series S.
With this in mind, Microsoft will also focus on a strategy centered on Xbox Play Anywhere and on opening up its ecosystem to other stores. We are, of course, talking about the Epic Games Store, Steam, and GOG.
In conclusion, the next Xbox will primarily be the preferred solution for gamers who want to immerse themselves in the brand's ecosystem and internally developed games. There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the economic context and memory shortages.