Xbox head Sarah Bond confirmed Microsoft is still working on a next-gen console, despite rumours saying they were backing away from console development.
Following last week’s release of the new ROG Xbox Ally/X, whispers pointed that Microsoft’s gaming division may be out of the console development race for the future. Xbox head Sarah Bond confirmed Microsoft is still working on a next-gen console, despite rumours saying they were backing away from console development. Bond spoke with Variety about the ROG Xbox Ally release, but was also questioned about the company’s future. Her response ensured Green Team fans that they are not going to stop innovating new consoles.
“We are 100 percent looking at making things in the future,” said Bond. “We have our next-gen hardware in development. We’ve been looking at prototyping, designing. We have a partnership we’ve announced with AMD around it, so that is coming. What we saw here was an opportunity to innovate in a new way and to bring gamers another choice, in addition to our next-gen hardware. We are always listening to what players and creators want. When there is demand for innovation, we’re going to build it.”
This was a swift response to the swirling rumours on whether Xbox was marking the end of their console run. Of course, many remember Microsoft joined the console race back in 2001 with their initial console release. In contrast, many other competitors like Sony, Nintendo, and SEGA were already in the console market since the 1980s.
The rumours about Xbox’s end began circulating on social media when the price hike to Game Pass Ultimate was announced. Also, the collaboration with ASUS on the new handheld convinced consumers that Xbox was pivoting to the handheld/PC space, with the slogan, “This is an Xbox.” Despite Microsoft’s recent actions, including the huge Activision Blizzard buyout, mass layoffs, and game cancellations, Bond reassures fans that they are still developing new consoles and have no plans to exit the console market yet.
“We want to make sure that people have a choice,” Bond told Variety. “We want to make sure there’s an option for the power players who want the latest innovations, that want to push the edge of what’s possible, the most demanding players. And then, if someone is looking for PC gaming on the go, they’re a casual gamer, they’re a gaming enthusiast, then there’s Xbox Ally’s for them. Giving multiple choices for people, so we can actually meet people where they are.”
While the ROG XBOX Ally/X are impressive machinery, the price tag of its premium version shows that it is not for casual gamers. CGMagazine’s review from Brendan Frye noted, “Considering it costs only $599 US—$400 less than the $999 US ROG Xbox Ally X—it’s a compelling option, especially for those looking for an alternative to the Steam Deck.” This holiday season will say a lot about whether consumer interest is there for this new gaming on-the-go option, or if gamers would rather stick to consoles and on-the-go gaming machines they already trust.
