Microsoft is pushing forward with “full speed ahead” on its next-generation console, an internal email from Xbox president Sarah Bond has revealed. The email, obtained by Windows Central and verified to be genuine by Microsoft, not only announces the upcoming console but also highlights 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 said, reiterating comments made in February when the console’s existence was officially announced.
While no further information was shared regarding the hardware itself or when fans might be able to buy it, documents leaked in 2023 suggest Microsoft plans to release the next Xbox in 2028. Regardless, with Microsoft making its development a priority, it’s likely that the console will be available sooner rather than later.
In addition to looking towards the future, Xbox is also committed to the past and present. “We have formed a new team dedicated to game preservation, important to all of us at Xbox and the industry itself,” Bond said in the email. “We are building on our strong history of delivering backwards compatibility to our players, and we remain committed to bringing forward the amazing library of Xbox games for future generations of players to enjoy.”
However, game preservation is facing new challenges in the current generation of games. Many live-service games require an internet connection, making them unplayable once servers are shut down. Microtransactions in single-player modes have also forced online requirements for several games, putting them at risk of being lost when servers eventually go offline.
The rise of PC gaming has also posed a challenge to Xbox, with many players opting for the versatility and power of PCs over console gaming. The growth of the PC gaming market has led to a decline in the dominance of consoles like Xbox, which has experienced lackluster reception for its previous consoles.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft remains committed to delivering an innovative and powerful next-gen console. The company’s dedication to game preservation and its reputation for delivering quality gaming experiences have fans eagerly awaiting the release of the new Xbox console. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft’s “full speed ahead” approach to the next generation ensures that the Xbox will remain a significant player in the industry.
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I got a series x for the back compatibility, and it’s not 100%. I don’t trust they going to do this well going forward.