New Xbox: Will Microsoft surprise us?

Xbox fans are waiting for information about a new console: With the next generation, Microsoft could break new ground or simply release a device that is significantly more powerful. So far, it is completely unclear whether we can expect a real surprise.

Microsoft is clearly in no hurry to get into the ring with Sony. The announcement of the Playstation 5 Pro could have put the Redmond-based company under pressure, but it didn't have to - and Xbox is apparently quite happy with foregoing the interim step to a new console generation. So far, at least.

Rumours suggest that Microsoft will forego an improved version of the Xbox Series X in order to instead prepare for the next generationOnly then could the console battle flare up again when the "Xbox Next" meets the Playstation 6. But that alone might not have been it. Microsoft could also use the time and financial resources gained by foregoing an improved current-gen console to jump on the trend of handheld devices.

Sony did this with its own, idiosyncratic concept and released the PS Portal, a streaming device that directly supports the performance of the Playstation 5 and thus the benefits of the console. Microsoft also kept quiet at this point, remaining silent about the possibility of an Xbox handheld.

Xbox handheld as a competitor?

Many large electronics manufacturers, including Lenovo and Asus, have taken advantage of the ongoing hype surrounding handheld PC systems and launched their own devices, which are primarily in direct competition with Valve's Steam Deck. Basically, the concept is ultimately based on the enormously successful Nintendo Switch on – the console from the house of Zelda, Mario and Co is on the market in its segment but in a separate categoryOften, good entertainment and exclusive software count more than pure power.

If Microsoft does come out with a handheld Xbox at some point, it can be assumed that it will compete primarily with the Steam Deck and its further developments. Microsoft could use the house advantage of the Windows operating system and possibly set new standards here. One plus point could then be the enormous compatibility: the Game Pass for Xbox and PC in conjunction with cloud gaming could turn an Xbox handheld into an extremely practical mobile console. The subscription service has countless high-quality indie games and AAA titles available. By focusing on the games library for years, Microsoft could put itself in an excellent position to roll up the market from behind.

Rumor speaks of handheld

According to Windows Central, Microsoft has long been working on the next generation of consoles. The handheld concept is explicitly mentioned in the rumor. In addition, parallel to the innovation, they are said to be working on a classic successor to the Xbox Series X. If Microsoft were actually to rely on such a duo, one could understand the enormous calm: Xbox boss Phil Spencer himself stated that they wanted to bring game libraries such as the Epic Games store to the Xbox consoles. This would probably be possible without any problems with a "better Steam Deck". The step towards an Xbox handheld would therefore not be all that unusual.

With the combination of subscription, cloud and the duo of handheld and stationary Xbox, Microsoft could build its own next-gen universe in which all of the functions established so far complement each other. The company would probably also have a much better chance of surviving in the competitive battle with such a new path. After all, the Xbox Series X had no chance against the Playstation 5 in terms of sales.

It would be hard to beat an Xbox handheld that offers seamless, user-friendly access to the Game Pass library.

#	Preview	Product	Rating	Price
1		Xbox Series S 512GB (New Packaging)*	no ratings yet	274,99 EUR
2		Xbox Series X*	no ratings yet	539,99 EUR

A possible date for a new release from Microsoft could be 2026. That's when Xbox will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. There could hardly be a better time for a console release - but at least fans can expect good news in the anniversary year. John Friend, Head of Consumer Products at Xbox, announced at the beginning of autumn that plans were being made for the anniversary year of Halo and Xbox.

There is no official information yet. Fans will have to be patient and simply wait for the announcement of a new Xbox console. But the surprise may be even greater when Microsoft finally drops the curtain.

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