Ignore the online rumors – Microsoft is, in fact, hard at work on its next-generation Xbox. While it’s still very early days for the Xbox team to unveil concrete details, Xbox President Sarah Bond recently dropped some intriguing hints about what gamers can anticipate from the upcoming console.
In a video interview with Mashable, Bond directly addressed speculation that the next Xbox might operate like a gaming PC. She clarified that the next-gen console will deliver “a very premium, very high-end curated experience,” steering clear of a direct PC comparison.
Bond further noted that the recently launched ROG Xbox Ally handheld offers a glimpse into the Xbox team’s current philosophy, hinting at their direction without revealing all their secrets.
(An interview segment featuring Xbox President Sarah Bond discussing future console plans)
While the Xbox Series X|S has faced challenges in sales against the PlayStation 5, it’s expected that Microsoft’s next console will be nothing short of “premium” and “high-end.” However, Bond’s mention of a “curated experience” has sparked considerable debate, especially since she didn’t explicitly confirm or deny the circulating rumors about a PC-like Xbox.
Xbox executives have consistently highlighted their dedication to crafting specialized devices that offer optimized gaming experiences. The ROG Xbox Ally handheld exemplifies this commitment, featuring an Xbox full-screen user interface that enables access to games from various PC storefronts, including Steam. Integrating such an interface and broad functionality into a console would represent a distinctly innovative strategy compared to current market offerings.
Naturally, our observations of the Xbox full-screen experience suggest that the software still requires significant improvements. Our reviews of the ROG Xbox Ally, for instance, described its operating system as “undoubtedly frustrating” for users.
Ultimately, regardless of the advanced features or flexibility the next Xbox console brings, Microsoft faces the crucial task of rebuilding consumer confidence. Recent price increases for both Xbox Series X|S consoles and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions have undoubtedly impacted customer sentiment.
This image gallery features some of the best Xbox Series X games for 2025, including anticipated titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Alan Wake 2, Avowed, Blue Prince 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Expedition 33, and Control Ultimate Edition.