Microsoft Signals a Major Shift: The Next Xbox Will Be “Very Premium”
Microsoft just gave us our biggest clue yet about the future of Xbox, and it sounds expensive. In a recent interview, Xbox President Sarah Bond described the company’s next-generation console as a “very premium, very high-end curated experience.” This statement is sending shockwaves through the gaming community, suggesting a dramatic departure from the budget-friendly approach seen with the Xbox Series S.
Speaking with Mashable about the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally handheld, Bond dropped the tantalizing hint when asked about rumors that the next Xbox would be more like a PC. “I can tell you you’re right,” she confirmed, adding, “You’re starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld, but I don’t want to give it all away.” The key takeaway? Microsoft is aiming for the top tier of performance and, most likely, price.
What Does “Premium and High-End” Actually Mean?
While Bond didn’t reveal technical specs, her choice of words strongly suggests the next Xbox won’t be competing on affordability. Instead, it seems poised to be a powerhouse console designed to deliver the absolute best performance possible. This aligns with earlier promises from Microsoft that their next hardware would provide “the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.”
This “premium” approach could mean several things for gamers:
- A Higher Price Tag: A focus on high-end components almost certainly means a higher price. Some analysts are speculating that the next Xbox could cost significantly more than the current Series X, possibly entering the territory of high-end PCs.
- A More PC-Like Experience: Bond’s reference to the ROG Xbox Ally handheld is telling. That device is essentially a Windows PC in a console form factor, capable of running games from multiple storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store. The next Xbox could adopt a similar open philosophy, breaking down the walled garden of traditional consoles.
- The End of the Series S Model?: A focus on a single, powerful machine could mean Microsoft is moving away from its two-tiered console strategy. The affordable, less powerful Series S might not have a direct successor in the next generation.
Breaking Down the Walls: An Open Future for Xbox
This shift toward a more open, PC-like ecosystem isn’t just a hardware decision; it’s a core part of Microsoft’s evolving strategy. In the same interview, Bond reiterated that the idea of locking games to a single device is becoming “antiquated.” She pointed to the world’s biggest games-Call of Duty, Minecraft, Fortnite-which are available everywhere.
This suggests a future where an Xbox console is not just a box for playing Xbox games, but a gateway to a wider world of PC gaming. Imagine buying a console that not only plays the latest Halo but also gives you access to your entire Steam library, all from the comfort of your couch. This is the future Microsoft seems to be building, and the next-gen console will likely be the centerpiece of that vision.
Conclusion
Sarah Bond’s comments have painted a clearer, if more expensive, picture of the future of Xbox. We’re looking at a console that prioritizes raw power and an open ecosystem over a low entry price. It’s a bold strategy that aims to blur the lines between console and PC gaming for good. While the thought of a very pricey next-gen Xbox might be daunting, the promise of a truly next-generation leap in performance and freedom is undeniably exciting. The only question left is, how much are you willing to pay for that premium experience?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did the President of Xbox say about the next-gen console?
Xbox President Sarah Bond stated that the next-generation Xbox console will be a “very premium, very high-end curated experience,” suggesting a focus on power and performance over affordability.
2. Does this mean the next Xbox will be more expensive?
While not officially confirmed, the terms “premium” and “high-end” strongly imply that the console will have a higher price point than the current Xbox Series X.
3. How is the ROG Xbox Ally handheld related to the next Xbox?
Sarah Bond mentioned that the thinking behind the ROG Xbox Ally, which is a handheld Windows PC that can access multiple game stores, offers a glimpse into the philosophy for the next-gen console. This hints at a more open, PC-like ecosystem.
4. Will the next Xbox be able to play games from Steam or other PC stores?
This is a strong rumor and a logical conclusion from Bond’s comments. An open platform that allows access to other storefronts like Steam or the Epic Games Store is a key feature of the PC-like approach Microsoft seems to be taking.
5. Is Microsoft getting rid of console exclusives?
The strategy is shifting. While some games may still launch exclusively, Microsoft’s broader philosophy is to make games available on as many platforms as possible. Bond noted that locking games to one device is an “antiquated” idea.
6. Has a release date for the next Xbox been announced?
No, there is no official release date or window yet. Microsoft has only confirmed that the hardware is in development.