Despite Microsoft's current focus on PC and cloud gaming, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that Xbox will continue to produce hardware. However, he hinted that the future of Xbox hardware may not look like traditional console generations.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Spencer acknowledged the stagnant console market, stating:
We love those customers, but in terms of continuing to expand and grow Xbox, it's about PC, it's about cloud, and it's about making our games more available in more places.
He affirmed that Microsoft would release more consoles and devices, emphasizing their efforts to broaden the definition of Xbox and achieve success with multiple hardware platforms. This further suggests the development of a handheld Xbox system.
Regarding mid-generation refreshes like the PlayStation 5 Pro, Spencer indicated that such systems are no longer essential and that Microsoft may adopt different approaches to future hardware. He highlighted their focus on creating unique value for players and developers, rather than releasing mid-generation upgrades for their own benefit.
Spencer pointed out the increasing difficulty in demonstrating the benefits of systems like the PS5 Pro due to diminishing returns from increased processing power. He contrasted this with previous console generations, where the jump in resolution and image quality was more substantial.
Spencer's comments align with the challenges faced in showcasing the PS5 Pro's improvements, which often required in-depth analysis to discern. With the emergence of machine learning in consoles, AI is likely to play a significant role in future generations, potentially addressing the issue of diminishing returns.
