Microsoft has made some large guarantees for its subsequent technology {hardware}, which appears set to incorporate an Xbox handheld.
Between mass layoffs and poor gross sales of the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft hasn’t precisely had one of the best time within the present console technology.
The firm has been saved from catastrophe by the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which has boosted Xbox’s general earnings as the corporate shifts its technique in the direction of multiplatform releases and placing its subscription service Xbox Game Pass on different gadgets.
With the Xbox Series X/S firmly behind the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch within the console race, Microsoft has already began to publicly discuss its subsequent technology plans, which appear to embody multiple piece of {hardware}.
What has Xbox stated about its subsequent gen console?
Xbox president Sarah Bond has repeatedly promised the ‘largest technological leap ever in a technology’ when speaking in regards to the firm’s new {hardware}, with out giving any specifics as to how that would occur.
‘We’re additionally invested within the subsequent technology roadmap and what we’re actually targeted on there may be delivering the most important technical leap you’ve ever seen in a {hardware} technology,’ Bond stated earlier this yr.
While there’s no particulars in regards to the {hardware} in query, Microsoft has established a crew devoted to sport preservation, indicating any future console will probably be backwards suitable.
Will Xbox’s new console be a handheld?
One large query is whether or not Xbox’s subsequent console will embrace the corporate’s plans for a handheld system. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the corporate is engaged on handheld prototypes in an interview with Bloomberg, however acknowledged the system will probably be a ‘few years out’.
Considering the following Xbox was rumoured for round 2026 or 2027, this might line up with Spencer’s feedback above. It’s unclear although if it is going to be a streaming-only system, just like the PlayStation Portal, a hybrid console just like the Switch, or one thing solely separate just like the Steam Deck.
While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed both approach, early rumours (and leaked inner paperwork) recommend the corporate is – or a minimum of was – taking a look at creating a hybrid system.
In an interview with The Verge, Spencer additionally stated Microsoft was ‘studying’ from Nintendo when requested in regards to the handheld rumours.
‘I’m a giant fan of handhelds,’ Spencer stated. ‘I’m a giant fan, however nothing to announce.’
He added: ‘Obviously we’re sort of studying from what Nintendo has performed over time with Switch, they’ve been incredible with that. So after I have a look at Steam Deck and the ROG and my Legion Go. I’m a giant fan of that house.’
If this handheld is a ‘few years out’, it’s probably that it’s going to tie into Xbox’s subsequent major console not directly, but it surely stays to be seen if it would emulate the Switch method or do one thing solely new.
With the launch of the Switch 2 anticipated subsequent yr, it’s attainable Microsoft is solely ready to see what Nintendo has up its sleeve, so it could possibly supply one thing totally different, or attempt to enhance upon it, additional down the road.
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