①Microsoft hinted in the latest trailer for the next-generation Xbox gaming hardware that the focus of the next-gen device will be the Windows ecosystem; ②Sarah Bond, president of Microsoft's Xbox division, emphasized that the future of Xbox is not limited to a single store or device.
According to the financial news agency on June 18 (Editor Shi Zhengcheng), ranked first in Market Cap among global listed companies. $Microsoft (MSFT.US)$ On Tuesday, it was confirmed that it will continue to develop the next generation of Xbox gaming hardware together with the chip company. $Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.US)$
In a video lasting over a minute, Sarah Bond, president of Microsoft's Xbox division, announced that Microsoft and AMD have reached a "multi-year strategic partnership" to jointly develop chipsets covering various devices, including the next-generation Xbox consoles and handhelds. The two companies will also create a new generation of Xbox cloud gaming services.
Bond also confirmed that the next-generation Xbox will focus on a multi-device ecosystem. She stated: "Our goal is to create a gaming platform that is always with the players, providing an Xbox experience free from restrictions of a single store or device. This is why we are working closely with the Windows team to ensure that Windows becomes the number one gaming platform."
As background, Microsoft and Asus just announced last week that they will launch two handheld devices based on a customized version of Windows 11. This means that unlike primary competitors Sony and Nintendo, as well as Microsoft's current Xbox consoles, the next generation of Xbox gaming handhelds will be able to directly access other gaming platforms like Steam and Blizzard Battle.net, while also being compatible with the existing game library (Note: The Asus handheld set to be released later this year cannot run Xbox games without a PC version).
Microsoft's statement on Tuesday also seems to imply that Windows will become a key competitive advantage for the next-generation console, which is essentially designed as a gaming PC for living room TVs or portable handling.
Earlier this year, reports indicated that Microsoft plans to simultaneously launch the next-generation Xbox console and handheld in 2027. Based on past experiences, Microsoft usually announces new console projects 18 months in advance; for example, the Xbox Series X was revealed at the E3 event in mid-2019, with the official release date set for the end of 2020. If this rhythm continues, the next-generation Xbox device could be officially unveiled as soon as the holiday season at the end of 2026.
At the same time, Microsoft's confirmation of launching first-party gaming handhelds also reflects the trend evolution in the Consumer Electronics field. Since Valve released the Steam Deck in 2022, the market for handheld PC gaming devices has begun to rise, but this field is still considered a niche market.
Regarding Microsoft's gaming hardware business, senior tech commentator Tom Warren commented on Asus's handheld device last week, stating that currently, no company can simultaneously control the key pieces like Microsoft does with software, hardware, and a large distribution system. However, this does not mean that these elements will miraculously come together in a reasonable form without significant additional investment. Another reality facing Xbox now is that it needs to prove its profitability to the parent company more than ever—while the parent company is almost solely focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Editor/rice
