Microsoft affirmatively announces collaborative development of upcoming Xbox consoles, featuring AMD technology for both home and portable gaming devices.
Fresh Take:
Microsoft's next Xbox consoles are on the horizon and rumors suggest we might be getting a portable version, too. The tech giant recently announced a partnership with AMD to create chips for a variety of devices, including the next-gen Xbox consoles for both living rooms and on-the-go gaming.
Despite the vague statements from Microsoft, fans are expecting big things like enhanced visuals, immersive gameplay, and AI-powered experiences. What sets these new consoles apart is their commitment to an open platform, supporting a multitude of stores and being completely backwards compatible.
Ever heard whispers of a next-gen Xbox that's not just a console, but also a PC? Well, it seems those rumors have legs, with long-time AMD leaker Kepler spilling the beans about a portable and traditional console design. While there's some debate about whether the new console might support Steam, it's thought that multiple stores could be accessible on the device.
It's worth noting that Microsoft has yet to clarify the extent of Steam integration. The latest news hints at a potential business model clash between the Xbox store and accessing games directly through Steam.
Xbox President, Sarah Bond, confirmed the vision for the next-gen consoles, emphasizing user freedom: "Play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want." Rest assured, Microsoft is investing in next-generation hardware for various platforms like consoles, handheld devices, PC, cloud, and accessories.
Multiple sources suggest that plans for a portable Xbox have been in the works, though the recurring speculation about a portable device must be distinguished from the recently unveiled Asus ROG Ally, which isn't related to the new consoles.
Recent rumors indicate that Microsoft may have scrapped its portable plans, but the latest announcement could suggest otherwise. Microsoft's confirmation about creating a handheld console alongside the more conventional design has raised interesting questions about the console's versatility. It remains to be seen how the dual-strategy will pan out!
Stay tuned for more news as it breaks! Are you looking forward to the next-gen Xbox consoles? Let us know in the comments!
[Sources:]
[1] Microsoft's next generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands. (2021). The Tech Report News. https://www.techreport.com/news/3375832/microsofts-next-generation-xbox-consoles-in-your-living-room-and-in-your-hands/
[2] Kepler Knew It: Next-Gen Xbox Will Be Made by AMD, Not a PC (2021). WCCFTech. https://wccftech.com/kepler-knew-it-next-gen-xbox-will-be-made-by-amd-not-a-pc/
[3] IT Pro Portal Staff (2021). Microsoft envisions open and backwards compatible Xbox platform. ITProPortal. https://www.itproportal.com/components/news/microsoft-envisions-open-and-backwards-compatible-xbox-platform/
[4] NextGen Xbox: The Inside Story. (2021). Games Industry. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-04-14-nextgen-xbox-the-inside-story
The partnership with AMD could lead to the next-gen Xbox consoles being powered by technology that will support both living room gaming and portable devices, offering gamers a variety of gadgets to choose from in their gaming experience.
The announcement of a handheld console design, alongside the more conventional console design, indicates that Microsoft is investing in new technology to create versatile and accessible gadgets for gamers on the go.