Microsoft's Future in Gaming: No Mid-Gen Xbox, But More Consoles and Handheld Prototypes Ahead

The landscape of gaming consoles is evolving, with companies like Microsoft continuously assessing how to navigate the future. Recent statements from a key executive highlight the company's commitment to expanding its gaming hardware lineup while also addressing the current market dynamics.

Phil Spencer, the leader of Microsoft Gaming, has stated that there will certainly be more Xbox consoles introduced moving forward. However, he has expressed skepticism about launching a mid-generation model similar to the PS5 Pro. This information emerged during a recent discussion, coinciding with the kickoff of Microsoft's new advertising initiative known as 'This is an Xbox'. Spencer elaborated on the strategy of extending the Xbox player base beyond traditional consoles.

"Our greatest surge in Xbox users is coming from PC and cloud platforms," Spencer noted. "While the console market as a whole is not expanding, we value our console customers; however, to continue growing Xbox, we need to focus on PC and cloud services, ensuring our games are accessible across diverse platforms."

Despite this outlook, Spencer made it clear that Xbox consoles will not be abandoned in favor of solely pursuing PC gaming and cloud options. He confirmed that "more consoles and other devices" are indeed on the horizon for Microsoft.

The mention of "other devices" suggests the possible development of a handheld console, which has been the topic of conjecture for a considerable time.

When asked about implementing a mid-generation upgrade akin to the PS5 Pro for current Xbox models, Spencer indicated that the benefits might not justify the endeavor, given the lack of significant performance differences. He remarked on the need for hardware that provides distinct value for gamers and creators on their platform, stating that incremental improvements are not necessary for the company's interests.

Spencer highlighted the change in technology standards, noting that the difference between the original Xbox and the Xbox 360 was stark, transitioning from standard definition to high definition, a leap that is now harder to define with new devices.

In a recent update, Spencer provided insight into Xbox's future plans, revealing that Microsoft is developing prototypes for handheld devices. He emphasized the importance of understanding the current market conditions to shape the vision for such a device while managing player expectations by indicating that the release of a finalized product is still a few years away.

Mariana Rocha 18 Nov 2024