Xbox currently offers the Xbox Series X, its flagship current-generation console, along with the lower-end, digital-only Xbox Series S.

Introduction

In a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast on Thursday, Microsoft revealed new information about its plans for Xbox hardware, teased the next generation of Xbox consoles, and provided updates about its gaming business. The company reaffirmed its commitment to creating Xbox hardware and exclusive titles for the platform, even though it acknowledged that four Xbox-exclusive games would be released on the PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Xbox President Sarah Bond stated in the podcast that Microsoft's goal for the upcoming Xbox is to deliver the "largest technical leap" for a new console generation.

Hardware Updates:

Bond added that Xbox fans should anticipate new hardware for the holidays later this year, which is probably the much-rumored mid-generation refresh of the Xbox Series S/X consoles. We're going to share some exciting hardware releases this holiday season. The Xbox president added, "We're also invested in the roadmap for the upcoming generation. "And achieving the biggest technological advancement you will have witnessed in a hardware generation is what we're focused on there," she continued.

Xbox currently sells the lower-end, digital-only Xbox Series S in addition to its flagship current-generation console, the Xbox Series X.

Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S consoles

A mid-generation refresh for Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S consoles was planned, according to leaked court documents from the Federal Trade Commission antitrust trial over Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, which surfaced back in September of last year. Conceptual drawings of future Xbox hardware were also included in the documents, along with a release schedule for the platform.

Microsoft's mid-generation refresh of the Xbox Series X codenamed "Brooklin," is purported to be an all-digital console with the same performance and features as the original, except the optical disc drive. These images were leaked during the leak process. The console looks to be cylindrical, has an improved 2TB capacity, and will probably cost $499, or Rs. 54,990, the same as the Series X. According to the documents that were leaked, "Brooklin" was scheduled for release in October 2024. Like PlayStation's DualSense controller, Xbox also intends to release an enhanced controller with gyro, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers in addition to the console.

The next-gen Xbox and PS6

In the podcast, where Bond was joined by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, the Xbox president did not disclose a launch window for the next generation of Xbox consoles, but Microsoft expects the next-gen Xbox and PS6 to launch in 2028, as also revealed by court documents from the FTC trial in June last year. “This term would, in any case, go beyond the expected starting period of the next generation of consoles (in 2028),” the company had said in the documents. The current generation of consoles — Xbox Series S/X and PS5 — was launched in 2020.

Conclusion

Microsoft's Xbox and PS6 gaming consoles are advancing hardware and delivering innovative experiences. The mid-generation refresh of Xbox Series X/S consoles, including the all-digital "Brooklin" model, demonstrates the company's commitment to pushing gaming technology boundaries. Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasizes creating engaging experiences for its loyal fanbase. Expectations for the next generation of Xbox and PS6 point towards an exciting future for console gaming.