Microsoft hints at ultrapowerful next-gen Xbox gaming console

Microsoft is hinting at the possibility of distinctive Xbox hardware down the line and a robust next-gen console. Four Xbox games that were previously exclusive are now officially making their way to the PS5 and Nintendo Switch soon, and Microsoft wants to assure Xbox fans that it’s still deeply committed to the future of its platform and hardware.

In today’s official Xbox podcast, Xbox president Sarah Bond hinted that Microsoft will bring about “the biggest technical leap” with the next-generation Xbox. There’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday. We’re also invested in the next-generation roadmap. What we’re really focused on there is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation, which makes it better for players and better for creators and the visions that they’re building.

In an interview with The Verge, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer went a step further, hinting that the Xbox hardware teams are considering creating various types of hardware.

“I’m very proud of the work that the hardware team is doing, not only for this year, but also into the future,” says Spencer. “[We’re] really thinking about creating hardware that sells to gamers because of the unique aspects of the hardware. It’s kind of an unleashing of the creative capability of our hardware team that I’m really excited about.”

“We see a lot of opportunity in different types of devices, and will share specifics on our future hardware plans as soon as we are ready,” says Microsoft in an Xbox blog post.

Rumors about an Xbox handheld have been circulating for a while, and Spencer has been showing interest in posts on X that discuss the potential for this hardware.

“One of the weak points in the experience on a ROG or the Lenovo [Legion Go] is Windows,” says Spencer. “How Windows works on controller input only on that kind of DPI, on a smaller eight- or seven-inch screen. That’s a real design point that our platform team is working with Windows to make sure that the experience is even better.”

Before the next-gen Xbox and possibly even a handheld, it seems like the leaked discless Xbox Series X and new controller might still be in the works.