Xbox Accelerates into the Future: Next Generation Console in the Works

Microsoft's Xbox division is forging ahead at full throttle with its next-generation console, as revealed in an internal email from Xbox president Sarah Bond. The message, which was obtained by Windows Central and authenticated by Microsoft, also introduced the formation of a game preservation team at Xbox.

"We are moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation," Bond reiterated, echoing statements made in February when the console's existence was officially confirmed.

Although no specifics were provided about the hardware or its release date, leaked documents from 2023 suggested that Microsoft aims to launch the next Xbox in 2028. However, given Microsoft's apparent prioritisation of its development, it is likely to hit the market sooner rather than later.

In addition to its forward-looking approach, Xbox is also committed to preserving gaming history. "We have formed a new team dedicated to game preservation, which is important to all of us at Xbox and the industry itself," Bond noted in the email.

Drawing on its track record of providing backward compatibility, Xbox intends to ensure that future generations of players can enjoy the remarkable library of Xbox games. This initiative is crucial, as game preservation not only safeguards classic titles from being lost but also addresses the vulnerability of current-generation games due to online requirements and digital formats.

Many modern games are dependent on internet connectivity, making them unplayable once servers are deactivated. This situation is exacerbated by the inclusion of microtransactions, which can require online authentication, effectively rendering these titles unplayable when servers are no longer available.

By focusing on both the future and the past, Xbox is poised to continue shaping the gaming landscape while honouring its rich history. As more details emerge about the next-generation Xbox, gamers can anticipate a console that not only pushes technological boundaries but also preserves the legacy of gaming for years to come.