Laura Fryer, who was part of the original Xbox team, voiced a rather pessimistic view about the future of Xbox hardware, stating, “Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead.”

She elaborated, commenting on how Microsoft seems to prioritize putting Xbox branding on existing hardware rather than innovating new devices. Fryer mentioned: “This wasn’t surprising. Hardware is expensive to make. It’s much easier to slap an Xbox sticker on an existing piece of hardware and call it day.”

Reflecting on Microsoft’s recent collaborations, including the new Asus ROG Ally handheld and partnerships with AMD, she fears this might signal Microsoft’s retreat from hardware manufacturing entirely.

Fryer also criticized the push towards Xbox Anywhere, suggesting it diminishes the importance of exclusives, making it hard to justify a purchase of new devices like the ROG Ally, given they can be played on various platforms including PCs.

Ultimately, her conclusion implies that the company is seeking an exit strategy from hardware, stating with a hint of nostalgia, “There’s literally no reason to buy this handheld.”

Fryer retains a glimpse of hope for the future, particularly with the upcoming 25th anniversary of Xbox, pondering, “Maybe next year is the year the fog will clear and all of us will see the beauty in these latest announcements.”