December 23rd 2024.
Is the future of Xbox outside of Microsoft? This question has been circulating as rumors about Microsoft's plans at CES continue to spread. Many are wondering what the future holds for Xbox, especially after the recent failure of the Xbox Series X/S console. It seems that over this generation, Microsoft has been shifting its focus away from the console and towards promoting its subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, on other devices. This has also coincided with the company's decision to release Xbox exclusive games on other consoles.
Some may interpret this as a sign that Microsoft is no longer interested in competing in the console race. However, it has been confirmed that the company is currently working on a next-generation system that is said to have the most significant technological leap ever seen in a generation. Additionally, there have been reports of Microsoft developing a handheld device, but it may be a few years before it is released. It is unclear how this handheld will fit into Microsoft's future plans, whether it will be a part of the next-gen console or if it will be the only model.
Rumors have resurfaced ahead of CES 2025, suggesting that future Xbox consoles may not be made by Microsoft itself. According to a report, the company is exploring the possibility of third-party companies building Xbox-branded devices and potentially using the Xbox operating system. This is not the first time these rumors have circulated, but it is the first time they have been linked to a potential handheld device. This speculation has been fueled by an upcoming event at CES 2025, where Lenovo is set to host a "future of gaming" event, featuring special guests from the gaming industry.
The event will include Steam Deck co-designer Pierre-Loup Griffais and Microsoft's vice president of gaming devices and ecosystem, Jason Ronald. While it is unclear what will be announced at the event, there have been rumors of a leaked SteamOS handheld from Lenovo. It is possible that Microsoft's involvement in this event could be related to their plans to improve the Xbox app on existing portable devices, such as the Lenovo Legion Go, allowing for a better experience with PC Game Pass.
There is speculation that this could also be a hint towards an XboxOS handheld, but this may be too early to tell. Just a month ago, Phil Spencer mentioned that they were still analyzing the handheld market, so it is unlikely that this event will reveal any concrete plans for a handheld console. However, it is worth considering as a potential future strategy for Xbox.
As for the release date of Microsoft's next-gen hardware, there have been rumors of dates ranging from 2026 to 2028. While the company has yet to provide any official details, they have made it clear that they are actively working on new hardware. This was evident when they announced their next-gen plans and hinted at a potential handheld device. It is clear that Microsoft wants everyone to know that they are committed to developing and releasing new hardware in the future.
On a separate note, it has been confirmed that Avowed is Xbox's next big game. To stay updated on all Xbox news and announcements, you can email us, leave a comment, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter. Additionally, you can easily submit letters and reader's features through our Submit Stuff page, eliminating the need to send an email. We also want to remind our readers that according to a recent report, there may not be enough room for both PlayStation and Xbox in the next-gen console race. However, Xbox has denied rumors of quitting Europe, and there have been speculations of a potential remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and other Xbox games coming in January.
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