The Xbox Series X/S was released in 2023, but reports indicate that Microsoft is already working on the next iteration. In October 2023, the company acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. Whenever a merger like this happens, the courts have to be involved. This means it is a public record, and we can learn what the company is up to. We learned two years ago a next-gen console was in development but no timeline was given. Many believed it was in the very early stages. However, a new report suggests the new Xbox has cleared a significant hurdle and is one step closer to reality.
New Xbox Console Gets Major Update
Jez Corden of Windows Central reported that the new Xbox console has moved past the early stages of development. There are so many hardware decisions early on that the process can take years to complete. The studio has to make sure the new specs entice consumers and are cost-effective. Corden reports everything has been approved up the chain of command and the next phase has begun.
“I’ve recently been told that Xbox’s next-gen console hardware has now moved past its early pitch stages and has been fully approved and costed all the way up the chain.”
“I doubt we’ll see a reveal of their hardware strategy any time soon but what is perhaps more interesting to me is how Xbox will seek to entice developers to support its efforts on PC.”
The report indicates that a reveal trailer is not imminent. The aforementioned court documents stated Microsoft is planning a 2028 release date for the next-gen console, but many things could change between now and then. They will likely let Nintendo have the glory for this year, as the announcement of the Switch 2 has given video game fans plenty to talk about. Microsoft will let the Japanese studio have the limelight for 2025 and then make their reveal once the hype has died down.
Competition From PC Gaming
Xbox was a part of the “console wars” for many years. Sony and Nintendo have often had an arms race to see which console could dominate the video game world. The mood has changed. The studios seem more willing to work with each other than ever before. Games that used to be exclusive to one console are now getting released across all platforms. The rise of PC gaming is likely to be blamed. Reports have been trickling out over the past year, chronicling the rise of people choosing to game on their PC.
Final Thoughts
While three years is a long time, 2028 is closer than we think. It will be interesting to see what Microsoft is cooking up for the new Xbox. Next-gen consoles should offer new and exciting technological innovations to entice players to upgrade. The Switch 2 has had many rumors of new features that sound very interesting, but nothing has been confirmed. We will have to wait for more news on this, but once the Switch 2 hype dies down, keep on the lookout for news on a next-gen Xbox.
