As Microsoft’s Xbox division undergoes sweeping changes, gamers are waiting to see what the next move is, hardware-wise. Is “everything an Xbox,” or will we actually get a new, real Xbox?
According to a YouTube report from Windows Central writer Jez Corden, it could come much sooner than we think, and fans on communities like Reddit aren’t happy.
A New Xbox Console In 2027?
People Aren’t Having It
The report is actually two-fold. Internally, Microsoft is allegedly looking at launching a next-generation strategy in “late 2027,” with “significant changes to Xbox Game Pass” also in the realm of possibility.
Apparently, the “everything is an Xbox” strategy won’t be completely literal, as a “traditional console” is planned, and will not be a handheld, as was rumored. However, Microsoft apparently “still [wants] to do a first-party handheld,” so that might be coming in the future as well.
Even wilder, the 2027 hardware will “run full Windows” as an operating system, which could grant users access to Steam and other platforms. “It will just be a PC,” according to the report, and may be able to dodge certain tariffs or costs if the hardware is classified as a PC. However, all those savings won’t be passed on to consumers, as Corden warns it could be “quite pricey.” This assumes Microsoft can resolve RAM shortage issues.
As for the Xbox Game Pass changes, the core discussion at Microsoft is: “Is Xbox Game Pass worth $30?” More game subscriptions could be bundled in, including World of Warcraft, Fallout 1st (Fallout 76), Minecraft Realms, or Elder Scrolls Online. All of these games are now owned by Microsoft, so it is possible.
Gamers Agree: It’s Too Soon For A New Generation
Especially With Rising Prices
Based on all this info, gamers aren’t having it. The prospect of an expensive new generation in just a year and a half isn’t very exciting, especially with the rising prices of hardware and software. “I know that new consoles are often released every 7 or 8 years but it still kind of seems too soon” one user writes.
Another isn’t happy with the state of consoles right now, but doesn’t really see how they could change drastically: “We are still having to choose between 4k or 60fps. I imagine the new consoles will do both? Can’t think of what else big changes could be.” One gamer sees some light at the end of the tunnel: “I agree with you that it’s too soon, but there have been some pretty major changes in the last six years. Mainly features no one asked for like Ray tracing, but developers are starting to default to that technology anyway, and relying on upscaling technology to output. Something in the realm of 4K.”
One gamer isn’t even sure what Microsoft’s plan is anymore: “I don’t think ‘everything is an Xbox’ is the direction anymore. I’m hoping they listen to Xbox fans a bit more and keep some things exclusive. Just a few is enough until Sony puts their stuff on Xbox more. Don’t get me wrong, play anywhere is my favorite thing for Xbox PC combos but play anywhere does not apply to PS.”
Xbox’s Next-Gen Console Coming “Way Too Soon”, Gamers Agree
