Xbox boss confirms “next-gen hardware is in development”

Microsoft has confirmed its “next-gen hardware” is in development.

In an interview with Variety, Xbox president Sarah Bond discussed the company’s partnership with ROG for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld – the clamor for which was described by Bond as “overwhelming” — but insisted the firm was “100 percent looking at making [Xbox hardware] in the future,” too.

“We are 100 percent looking at making things in the future. We have our next-gen hardware in development. We’ve been looking at prototyping, designing,” Bond revealed.

“We have a partnership we’ve announced with AMD around it, so that is coming. What we saw here was an opportunity to innovate in a new way and to bring gamers another choice, in addition to our next-gen hardware. We are always listening to what players and creators want. When there is demand for innovation, we’re going to build it.”

Bond continued: “We want to make sure that people have a choice. We want to make sure there’s an option for the power players who want the latest innovations, that want to push the edge of what’s possible, the most demanding players. And then, if someone is looking for PC gaming on the go, they’re a casual gamer, they’re a gaming enthusiast, then there’s Xbox Allys for them. Giving multiple choices for people, so we can actually meet people where they are.

“There’s a ton more innovation to come, including things like further optimizing the experience here, scaling out the handheld compatibility program, offering more benefits and improvements to the experience and other features […] that we’re going to give to people and more choices and more games,” Bond added.

Last week, Microsoft refuted claims US retailers have withdrawn sales of its Xbox Series X and S consoles, insisting major chains “remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games” after Costco reportedly stopped selling Xbox consoles in the US and UK in both its online and physical stores.