Microsoft has outlined its ambitions for the next generation of Xbox hardware, emphasizing a commitment to delivering significant technological advancements. Earlier in February, the company hinted at these plans, and further details have recently surfaced, underscoring its dedication to this initiative. An internal email distributed among Xbox employees indicates that the development of the next-generation hardware is progressing rapidly.
In a communication to staff, Xbox president Sarah Bond detailed Microsoft’s strategy for the upcoming console, announcing the establishment of a new team dedicated to preserving Xbox’s game library for compatibility with future hardware. A report from Windows Central brought attention to parts of this email, offering additional insights into the future of Xbox consoles.
“We are moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation,” Bond stated in the email. This assertion aligns with her comments from February during the Official Xbox Podcast, where she first highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to innovation. However, specifics regarding what constitutes “the biggest technological leap” in terms of real-world performance remain undisclosed.
The email affirmatively states that Microsoft is actively working on the next Xbox console, though it does not clarify the current stage of its development.
Despite these advancements, Microsoft has faced challenges as a platform owner, particularly as sales for the Xbox Series S/X lag behind competitors like Sony’s PS5 and the Nintendo Switch. Following a series of leaks and speculation, the company revealed its intention to bring some of its first-party titles to competing platforms earlier this year. This strategy, coupled with a perceived shortfall of triple-A exclusives on its own consoles, has left Microsoft in a vulnerable market position.
Nevertheless, Microsoft has a robust portfolio of game studios, bolstered by its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, known for franchises like Call of Duty. Despite the slow rollout of premium first-party games for the Xbox Series S/X, titles such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are set for release this year, potentially revitalizing the brand’s standing in the gaming market.
Bond’s email also mentioned the establishment of a team focused on ensuring that existing Xbox games will remain playable on future systems. “We are building on our strong history of delivering backwards compatibility to our players, and we remain committed to bringing forward the amazing library of Xbox games for future generations of players to enjoy,” said Bond.
Although a launch window for the next-generation Xbox remains unannounced, court documents from last year’s FTC trial suggest that Microsoft anticipates the release of the next Xbox, along with the PS6, to occur in 2028.
