The next-generation Xbox console may not materialize as originally planned, according to a report from a reliable insider. While years have been invested in developing a successor to the Series X/S, it appears that Microsoft is now evaluating pivotal components of its gaming division, particularly its underperforming Xbox hardware.
Such revelations were made by SneakersSO, a user on NeoGAF known for their accurate leaks about Microsoft. They had earlier forewarned that Xbox titles would be moving to a multiplatform model long before it was officially announced. Additionally, Tom Warren from The Verge, who is celebrated for reliable reporting on Microsoft, noted SneakersSO’s credibility in the XboxEra podcast on October 5.
Delay in Execution for Next-Gen Xbox Console
On October 4, SneakersSO provided further insights into Microsoft’s ongoing strategies on NeoGAF. The recent controversy regarding a significant financial commitment, involving the Call of Duty bet for Xbox Game Pass, has reportedly caused considerable turmoil within Microsoft. Staff members were informed that a new Xbox console might launch by 2026, yet this time frame is now in doubt, with diminishing internal confidence in the project.
Moreover, the report states that Microsoft has paused advancements in the next-generation Xbox console development.
Future of Xbox Moving Towards Software Services
SneakersSO indicated that Microsoft’s future strategy is increasingly shifting from dedicated hardware to a focus on software and services. They remarked, “The future of Xbox lies in software publishing,” and predicted that the company will channel its efforts economically into its most profitable intellectual properties while transforming Game Pass into a premier subscription model for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
There are indications that the recent price surge for Xbox Game Pass may not be a singular instance, as SneakersSO asserts that Microsoft is likely to continuously escalate its membership fees.
The recently unveiled ROG Xbox Ally handhelds suggest that Microsoft is looking to adapt its gaming hardware model, perhaps favoring brand alliances with original equipment manufacturers instead of heavy investments in proprietary systems. However, the success of this prospective strategy hinges on whether at least one manufacturer is willing to champion the Xbox brand amidst these tumultuous times.
