Next Generation Xbox: The High-end Xbox Series X Successor, and a ‘Super-Handheld’ Console
Once again, everyone is talking about Xbox and we are done with the gaming hardware launches. Microsoft will deliver next-level experiences for all gamers, and that continues even beyond this current generation of consoles as we recently announced a premium successor to the Xbox Series X launching in 2027. And Xbox fans can also expect new experiences related to hardware, with a brand new handheld gaming system being created in partnership with a leading PC gaming OEM and scheduled for launch in 2025.
These ambitious moves indicate Xbox is prepared to remain a player in the gaming industry for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, here’s a detailed look at what we can expect from these upcoming Xbox projects, and how they will take gaming to the next level.
Xbox Series X Successor: Adventures in Next Gen
The Xbox Series X, which came out in 2020, represented a new benchmark for console performance with support for 4K gaming, ray tracing and smooth backward compatibility. Still, insiders now say that Microsoft is already making plans for its next big leap, with a higher-end follow-up to the Xbox Series X slated for release in 2027.
What the Successor to the Xbox Series X Has to Offer
You would need to be working very hard to make sure that the next Xbox Series X successor isn’t just an incremental upgrade, but genuinely moves gaming hardware forward. Lets take a look at some of the notable features that we can expect:
- Unprecedented Graphics and Performance: While Xbox Series X is impressive offering absolutely mind-melting console 4K gaming, the next one will surely aim for a higher target of 8K resolution or greater. This might be an AMD-made custom chip with far better performance than current hardware, serving ultra-high frame rates and unprecedented graphical fidelity.
- Load Times That Are Blazing And Notfriction: As SSDs become more common and processor speeds increase, players can enjoy loading times that are close to instantaneous. Less waiting means more gaming, and as anyone who has played video games can attest, that is a critical factor when it comes to maintaining gamer interest.
- In expanded backward compatibility: Like Microsoft got it with the Xbox Series X, the next-gen console will support games for previous Xbox generations—from the Xbox One to the Series X—so that players will be able to continue enjoying their extensive game libraries.
- Controller Features: With haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and such in the next-gen console, there could be products that build on the Xbox Elite Controller and the changes already made to the Xbox controller.
Why Wait Until 2027?
So what’s with Xbox stalling until 2027 for the Xbox Series X’s successor? There are a few key reasons:
- Technology Growth – It has been a while since, their are series of advances in technologies and next generation console will have to cater to the growing demands of next gen games, cloud gaming and A.I integration. Microsoft says the technologies are still very immature; you can imagine in 2027, that’s going to make the new console all the more impactful.
- Competitors: Microsoft is indeed holding to a release window between the expected next-gen consoles from Sony and other developers in the market, keeping them in the game as the industry undergoes constant evolution and compositions are released.
Xbox’s First Handheld Console: The Future of Gaming on-the-go
Not only do they have a shiny new console, but they’re launching a handheld gaming system that can place console-level gaming right at your fingertips. Additional Handheld Gaming System scheduled to launch in 2025, the device is developed alongside a major PC gaming OEM and aims to be a revolutionary solution for portable gaming.
Exciting Things to Anticipate About the Xbox Handheld Console
Now, here are a couple of the important features that time will tell if it makes the Xbox handheld the best product possible:
- PC-Level Gaming Performance: The device will come equipped with such powerful hardware to run AAA games without breaking a sweat. Now, through a partnership with a top PC OEM, the machine will feature some serious muscle with a custom AMD chip that promises industry-leading gaming capability on the move.
- Xbox Game Pass and Cloud Gaming: Like the Xbox Series X, the handheld system will be completely compatible with Xbox Game Pass, allowing players to access a massive library of games. And xCloud, Xbox’s cloud gaming service, will let people stream any number of games without having to devote precious memory space.
- Top-Notch Display: Look forward to a big, 1080p (or 1440p) display that will ensure clarity for even the fastest, most action-filled titles. As the demand for portable gaming continues to grow, this console will center on providing the utmost immersion.
- Extended Battery Life: There is one major concern with handheld gaming systems, complete with sustained power. One of the companies known to focus heavily on the power usage of their devices is Microsoft, and it is likely that they’re going to turn a lot of focus towards power efficient technologies that will let gamers use the device for a longer time on a single charge so you can easily play your games without interruption.
Why Now? The Explosion of Gaming on the Go
Amid the explosion of mobile gaming, and buoyed by the success of Nintendo’s Switch, Microsoft is entering the handheld space at a pivotal moment. By 2025, the global gaming market is estimated to be worth $159.3 billion and mobile gaming — having taken a gradually larger slice of that pie. Xbox hopes to capitalize on this growth with a premium, portable gaming experience that seamlessly integrates with its console ecosystem.
Xbox’s Long-Term Strategy: A Unified Gaming Ecosystem
Both the high-end successor to the Xbox Series X and the handheld console are ambitions by Microsoft to build a gaming ecosystem that unifies its products. Gamers should not expect these products to stand alone, as they will complement each other in delivering a holistic, integrated experience.
Important Components of Xbox’s Long-Term Strategy
- Cloud Gaming at the Center: Xbox’s focus on cloud gaming will continue to be a driving factor behind not only the Series X successor but a handheld. By having xCloud built into these new hardware, gamers will be able to experience next-gen titles without being strictly tied to a physical console.
- Cross-Platform Play: Now that Xbox has been advocating for cross-platform gaming, players will be able to play with friends across different devices — whether they’re playing on an Xbox console, a PC or a handheld device.
- Game Pass Expansion: Game Pass is at the center of Xbox’s gaming ecosystem, and the subscription service should become even more integral with these new devices. “We’re still leading the charge in the subscription-based gaming model, so expect to see more day-one game releases, more exclusives, and increased access to content.”
Industry Reactions: What Experts Are Saying
The industry is abuzz with speculation, and experts are excited to weigh in on Microsoft’s ambitious plans. Here’s a breakdown of what some of the experts are saying about Xbox’s next-gen approach:
- As with the gaming itself, Xbox head Phil Spencer’s tone toward new hardware is positive. “We’re consistently thinking ahead to realize game-changing experiences.” “These new devices are going to unlock possibilities we haven’t even imagined.”
- Michael Pachter, a prominent analyst from the industry, weighed in on Xbox taking the plunge into handheld gaming. “This is a savvy move on behalf of Xbox. They want to seize the portable market, which is a booming part of their business, but also keep their console offerings on the bleeding edge.”
- Tweeting on Xbox’s future, respected gaming analyst Benji-Sales wrote: “Xbox’s next-gen plans are just ridiculously ambitious and this handheld console could make quite the splash.”
Conclusion: Game Pass Marks a New Chapter for Xbox Gamers
Between its premium Xbox Series X follow-up and the forthcoming handheld console, all signs are pointing to a bright future for Xbox. These technologies will provide gamers with an immersive, seamless experience across devices, as well as push the envelope of console hardware.
With the road ahead looking bright for Xbox fans as Microsoft pushes new technology for cloud gaming, cross-platform play, and game subscription services, here are the five key Xbox news stories of 2023. Whether you’re excited for the most powerful console on the market or a portable gaming device that can handle AAA performance, Xbox has something huge in the works.
FAQs
1. Key features of the Xbox Series X successor:
It will come with 8K graphics, faster load times, better backward compatibility and more lunging controllers with haptic feedback.
2. When will we get to see the Xbox handheld console?
The Xbox handheld is expected to release in 2025.
3. What will Xbox Game Pass look like on an Xbox handheld?
The device will come with full Xbox Game Pass support, enabling access to a massive library, including through xCloud.
4. What about AAA games on the Xbox handheld?
Yes, it’ll be able to deliver PC-level performance, so expect to run AAA games no sweat.
5. What impact does Xbox’s cloud gaming announcements have on the future of gaming?
“Cloud gaming is going to be a big part of the Xbox ecosystem — starting to stream all kinds of games to whatever platforms you’re on, and that’ll include the new handheld console.”
