While Microsoft’s current efforts—when it comes to gaming—are focused on pushing the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the company also think about a next generation console. In fact, you can be sure that it is already in development. In a document circulated during the trial against the FTC, obtained by Axios, those led by Phil Spencer expose part of their plans regarding the next Xbox hardware. Specifically, its release year.
According to the file, Microsoft intends to launch a new Xbox console during 2028. Yes, there are still many years away.
The launch year was discussed, according to the aforementioned media, during a meeting attended by Microsoft’s senior management in May 2022. Among them, Satya Nadella, CEO of the company. Also present were Amy Hood, chief financial officer, as well as Phil Spencer, head of Xbox.
One of the attendees asked if the new Xbox hardware will explore a different business model than what we are used to. However, in this sense there will be no surprises. They will launch a traditional console and studios will be able to access development kits to create games.
“One thing that makes consoles great is that you can offer a very clear platform for developers, and video game development kits have been very good at this,” said Anuj Gosalia, corporate vice president of immersive experiences.
Likewise, everything indicates that They will have multiple models for sale again. It has been demonstrated that the strategy of the current generation, with two proposals aimed at different economic possibilities, has proven to be successful. With the Xbox Series S, people can enjoy current-gen games without breaking the bank. Of course, sacrificing certain technical characteristics. And for those looking for the best of a home console, there is the Xbox Series X.
If we do the math, considering how long the most recent generations of video games have lasted, and that they are increasingly prolonging their lifespans, it makes sense that the next Xbox consoles are still far away.
On the other hand, although the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have been with us for almost three years, This generation had a fairly slow start due to the pandemic. Don’t be surprised if they extend their life beyond the usual to accommodate important titles.
It is also worth mentioning that it is a tentative launch window, since various circumstances could alter Microsoft’s objectives. At the moment, we cannot assume that the next Xbox will be released in 2028.
A curious point is that Microsoft also thinks they know the year in which Sony will launch the PlayStation 6. In a document presented in the same trial, those led by Satya Nadella mentioned that the new competing console will be available from 2028, presumably…