Get Ready to Open Your Wallet for the Next Xbox
If you were hoping for another budget-friendly console from Microsoft next generation, you might want to sit down. In a series of recent interviews, Xbox President Sarah Bond has been dropping hints about the company’s next-gen hardware, and the main takeaway is clear- it’s going to be expensive. Bond described the upcoming console as a “very premium, very high-end curated experience,” signaling a significant pivot from the company’s current two-tiered strategy.
The comments have sent waves through the gaming community, raising questions about the future of console affordability and what this new “premium” focus really means for players.
What Does “Premium” and “Curated” Even Mean?
During an interview with Mashable, Bond’s choice of words was very deliberate. By calling the next console “very premium” and “high-end,” she is setting expectations for a powerhouse machine. This suggests Microsoft is prioritizing raw performance, likely aiming to deliver the most powerful console on the market to support features like 4K gaming at 120 frames per second. The word “curated” also stands out, hinting that AI and a more personalized user experience could play a major role in the new hardware.
This focus on the high end strongly implies that we may not see a successor to the beloved Xbox Series S. The Series S was a huge win for budget-conscious gamers, offering next-gen gaming at an accessible price point. A move away from this model would be a major shift for the Xbox brand.
Is the Next Xbox Just a PC in Disguise?
The speculation doesn’t stop at the price tag. Bond made these comments while promoting the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, a handheld gaming PC. She teased that in the new handheld, “you’re starting to see some of the thinking that we have.” This has fueled rumors that the next Xbox could be a PC-console hybrid. Such a device could potentially offer a more open ecosystem, allowing players to access other PC storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store directly from their console.
While this would be a radical departure from the traditional closed console ecosystem, it aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of making Xbox a platform that extends across devices, from consoles and PCs to handhelds and the cloud.
Gamers Are Not Happy
The reaction from the gaming community has been swift and largely negative. Many players are worried that a “premium” price tag will push consoles into a luxury category, making them unaffordable for the average person. The core appeal of consoles has always been their convenience and lower cost compared to a high-end gaming PC. If the next Xbox is just an expensive, pre-built PC, many feel it loses its identity.
This news also comes at a time when gamers are already feeling the pinch. Microsoft recently increased the price of Game Pass, and the new ROG Xbox Ally X comes with a hefty $1,000 price tag. The idea of an even more expensive console has many fans declaring they might jump ship to PlayStation or Nintendo if Xbox abandons affordability.
Conclusion
Microsoft is still in the early stages of developing its next-gen hardware, but Sarah Bond’s comments paint a clear picture of the direction they are heading. The focus is on power, performance, and a “premium” feel. While this could result in an incredibly impressive piece of technology, it also marks a risky departure from the accessibility that helped define the current Xbox generation. The big question remains- will gamers be willing to pay a premium price for a premium experience, or will this strategy backfire and alienate the very community Xbox needs to win over?
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Xbox President Sarah Bond say about the next Xbox?
She described the next-generation console as a “very premium, very high-end curated experience,” indicating a focus on power and performance over affordability.
Will the next Xbox be expensive?
While no price has been announced, the term “premium” strongly suggests that the console will have a high price tag, likely more expensive than the current Xbox Series X.
Will there be a cheaper version like the Xbox Series S?
Bond’s comments suggest that Microsoft may be moving away from the dual-console strategy, meaning a cheaper, less powerful model like the Series S is unlikely for the next generation.
Is the next Xbox going to be more like a PC?
There is speculation that it could be a console-PC hybrid. Bond hinted that the new ROG Xbox Ally X handheld, which runs on Windows, gives a glimpse into the company’s thinking, suggesting a more open ecosystem.
When is the next Xbox expected to be released?
Microsoft has not given an official release date, but industry rumors and analyst predictions point towards a potential launch around 2027 or 2028.