Xbox’s next-generation console is set to provide a “very high-end” experience for gamers, according to company president Sarah Bond. While details remain sparse about the new console, recent comments suggest that its development is linked to the ROG Xbox Ally, which provides insight into Microsoft’s ambitions for their upcoming gaming hardware.

It has been nearly five years since the release of the Series X and Series S, which just barely edged out the PlayStation 5 for market release. Recent sales estimates show around 30 million units of the Series X|S sold, placing it behind both the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch. This led to speculation regarding Microsoft potentially exiting the console industry.

However, such fears were allayed when Bond confirmed the new console’s development in a report earlier this month. In a subsequent appearance on Mashable’s YouTube channel, she confirmed, “The next console will provide players with a very premium, very high-end curated experience.”

Bond also suggested that the design of the handheld device hints at Xbox’s current strategy in console development, promising that it will enable players to transition seamlessly between their console and PC games through cloud gaming.

The handheld gaming computer, the ROG Xbox Ally, quickly sold out upon its pre-order launch, though it has faced criticisms concerning performance and usability due to its reliance on Windows 11.

The ROG Ally X, priced at $999, raised some questions during the interview about Xbox’s pricing strategy, to which Bond noted that the ROG Xbox Ally is priced at $400 less, indicating that they aim to cater to varying budget needs.

While Bond’s reassurances come amidst rising prices for Xbox services and consoles, it appears Xbox is still focused on providing accessible gaming options for all.