Microsoft ‘Moving Full Speed Ahead’ on Next-Generation Xbox Console: Report

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 era with the subsequent Xbox. Now, extra particulars about Microsoft’s plans for its subsequent console have emerged, reiterating the identical declare. An inside electronic mail shared with Xbox workers has revealed that Microsoft is “shifting full velocity forward” on its next-generation Xbox {hardware}.

In a current electronic mail to staffers, Xbox president Sarah Bond shared Microsoft’s plans for the subsequent Xbox console and revealed the formation of a brand new staff engaged on preserving Xbox’s present library of video games for future {hardware}. A Home windows Central report revealed elements of the e-mail Sunday, shedding slightly extra gentle on the subsequent era of Xbox consoles.

“We’re shifting full velocity forward on our subsequent era {hardware}, targeted on delivering the most important technological leap ever in a era,” Bond reportedly stated within the electronic mail, reiterating her claim 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 most important technological leap” would construe in actual world efficiency.

The e-mail, nonetheless, does affirm that Microsoft is tough at work on the subsequent Xbox, but it surely stays unclear at which stage of improvement the corporate’s next-generation console {hardware} is.

Microsoft’s id as a platform proprietor has come below pressure of late as Xbox Series S/X console gross sales lag far behind Sony’s PS5 and Nintendo Switch. After a number of leaks and rumours, the corporate announced 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 dad or mum in a perceivably weakened place within the console market.

Microsoft, nonetheless, boasts a powerful portfolio of sport studios, particularly since its profitable acquisition of Name of Obligation maker Activision Blizzard final yr. Whereas the Xbox Collection S/X consoles have did not kick on by way of premium first-party titles up to now, large upcoming releases like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will launch this yr to doubtless convey a lot wanted wind in Xbox’s sails.

In her electronic mail, Bond additionally reportedly stated that Microsoft had set a up a staff 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 superb library of Xbox video games for future generations of gamers to take pleasure in,” the Xbox president stated.

Whereas Microsoft has not revealed a launch window for the subsequent era of Xbox consoles, court docket paperwork from the FTC trial in June final yr revealed that the corporate expects the next-gen Xbox and PS6 to launch in 2028.