A few weeks ago, Microsoft officially announced a new generation of Xbox. Here’s everything you need to know about the release window, hardware details, and pricing of the Xbox Next.
Microsoft has confirmed that a new Xbox generation is in development. Unlike previous consoles, the Xbox aims to be not only more powerful but also more flexible and closely integrated with Windows. In this article, we’ll cover what’s currently known about Microsoft’s new hardware strategy – from the tech to the potential price of the Xbox Next.
- Note: The two handhelds ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X were recently announced.
The New Xbox: Key Facts at a Glance
- Microsoft is developing a new generation of Xbox hardware together with AMD.
- The focus is on openness: the new Xbox will no longer be tied to a single store.
- Steam, GOG, and other platforms may be usable directly on the console.
- AMD is providing custom chips with Ryzen and Radeon technology.
- AI features and cloud gaming will be central to the system.
- Release expected no earlier than 2027, more likely in 2028.
- Insiders predict a high price of over $1,000 USD.
- Full backward compatibility with existing Xbox games is planned.
All Current Information About the Xbox Next
With the new Xbox, Microsoft is moving away from the traditional closed console model. Instead, the system will function as part of an open gaming ecosystem. According to Xbox head Sarah Bond, the next generation will not be limited to a single store or device. This means that, alongside the Microsoft Store, platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store could be available directly on the console.
Microsoft also wants the new console to go beyond the living room – the strategy includes mobile devices such as handhelds, as well as PCs and cloud platforms. The goal is an Xbox experience that works anywhere. The first step in this direction is the release of two new handhelds later this year.
What Technology Powers the New Xbox?
AMD has been confirmed as Microsoft’s technology partner once again. Both companies are collaborating on a new chip roadmap specifically for gaming. The new chips combine Ryzen CPUs with Radeon GPUs and are designed to be used across consoles, handhelds, PCs, and cloud servers alike.
The hardware will leverage AI technology to take rendering and graphics quality to the next level. Potential features include AI-powered super sampling and neural networks for improved upscaling. Better integration with Windows is also planned – Microsoft aims to make Windows the leading gaming platform on both console and PC.
Another goal is for the new Xbox to be highly energy-efficient while offering more performance than any previous generation. It remains to be seen how powerful the system will be compared to the recently leaked PS6 or current gaming PCs.
Early rumors and leaks suggest the following specifications:
Component Possible Specifications CPU Combination of Zen 6 and Zen 6C cores (11 cores) GPU RDNA 5 architecture, 68 compute units Performance Comparable to NVIDIA RTX 5080 Memory GDDR7, 192-bit bus Target Resolution Native 4K at 120 FPS Ray Tracing Improved RT cores, FSR 4, and Redstone support
New leaks indicate that the Xbox Next could be significantly more powerful than the PlayStation, with around 20% more performance.
Release of the New Xbox
- As Microsoft is still deep in development, the release of the Xbox is expected to be pushed to 2028.
No official release date has been announced. According to earlier internal Microsoft documents made public during the FTC’s investigation into the Activision acquisition, 2028 was originally targeted.
These plans are now considered outdated, but current sources still don’t expect a launch before 2027. 2028 is more likely. This is speculation for now — there’s no official confirmation.
How Much Will the New Xbox Cost?
According to well-known leaker Kepler_L2, the console will be significantly more expensive than current models. He believes Microsoft will no longer sell the hardware at a subsidized price. The reason: by opening up to other stores like Steam, Microsoft will have less control over software revenue and lower margins.
Instead of selling the hardware at a loss or break-even price, Microsoft may sell the Xbox at a profit. Kepler_L2 considers it possible that the new console could exceed the $1,000 mark – a price point usually associated with PCs.
- For comparison: The Xbox Series X launched at 499$, while the Series S was significantly cheaper at 299$.
What Does This Mean for Players?
The new Xbox will continue to support all previous Xbox games – including titles from the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and even older generations. Microsoft is fully committing to backward compatibility, meaning players with large digital libraries will be able to carry them forward to the new console.
Sources: Youtube
