The Next Generation Xbox Console May Have at Least Two Versions, Court Documents Show

Some new details about the next generation of Xbox consoles have been revealed after a May 2022 meeting was uncovered as part of the FTC’s lawsuit to block the purchase of Activision Blizzard. The details reveal some interesting factoids, such as the fact that it would be released in versions much like the current Xbox Series X|S and that it would be released by 2028.

The 2028 plan refers to a cloud-hybrid console, as spotted by The Verge. The new console would mark the 10th generation of consoles and remain flexible regarding gaming ecosystems.

Microsoft is looking to use a cloud hybrid-style system that leverages the power of console gaming and the cloud. While what this could entail is unclear, we have an image below that showcases Microsoft’s console timeline over the years.

The “Next Gen” console image mentions “Cloud Hybrid Games” and “Immersive Game & App Platform.”

In another slide revealed today during the massive Microsoft vs. FTC file leak, we got an even more in-depth look at what the company is aiming for in the 2028 console.

It looks like Microsoft is aiming for a new ARM architecture alongside some major GPU and CPU changes.

The big ticket item here is whatever the “$99 consumer or handheld devices” could be. It could be a second screen experience or simply something else entirely to focus on the cloud gaming aspect of this new hybrid idea.

With Sony and Microsoft launching their current-gen consoles in November 2020, one can only wonder when the 10th generation will start. While some believe that there may be a mid-gen refresh with what could be a PS5 Pro, perhaps the current hardware that Xbox has can hold onto the next five years until the next generation starts.