The future of Xbox hardware has been a hotbed of speculation and rumors. After Xbox President Sarah Bond teased the next generation of consoles as "very premium" and "very high-end," the gaming community has been buzzing with questions. Would the next device be a traditional, bespoke console like the Xbox Series X, or would Microsoft pivot to an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model, partnering with other companies to create branded hardware?
In a new interview, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has provided the clearest distinction yet, firmly placing the next-generation Xbox console in the "first-party" category while clarifying the role of devices like the recently announced ROG Ally X.
A Clear Distinction at the Tokyo Game Show
Speaking with Famitsu at the Tokyo Game Show, Spencer discussed Microsoft's broader strategy to strengthen the Xbox brand in the Japanese market. As the conversation turned to future hardware, Spencer offered a crucial clarification that cuts through the recent confusion.
According to a summary of the interview shared on social media by insider Genki, Spencer was direct in his description of the ROG Ally X, an ASUS handheld that comes pre-configured with Xbox software and services. He labeled it an "Asus product," a clear indicator of its OEM status.
He then followed with a definitive statement about Microsoft's own roadmap: "I think the hardware that we, Microsoft, announce as a first-party company will be the next console."
This statement serves as a powerful reassurance to fans concerned that Microsoft might be stepping back from designing its own dedicated gaming machines. While Spencer did not commit to a specific release window, his words confirm that a true, Microsoft-engineered successor to the Xbox Series X|S is actively in the pipeline.
You can read the full Famitsu interview (in Japanese) here. For Genki's summary on social media, check out the post here.
The Evolution of the Xbox Ecosystem
Despite drawing this hardware line, Spencer also emphasized that the strategic vision connecting all these devices remains unchanged. He reiterated that the "Xbox software platform will evolve, connecting console, PC, and cloud into one ecosystem."
This is the core philosophy behind the recent partnerships. Devices like the ROG Ally and the upcoming "Xbox Ally" run on a full version of Windows 11. This gives them immense flexibility, allowing gamers to access the Xbox app and Game Pass alongside other storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store.
However, this open approach also highlights a key difference. A first-party console has traditionally relied on exclusive games to drive its value proposition and tempt players into its walled garden. The next Xbox console, if it follows the evolving "ecosystem" model, may not have that same exclusive pull, potentially making its value proposition a tougher sell in a crowded market.
Rumors and the High-End Reality
The conversation around what form this "very premium" first-party console will take is already fueling industry rumors. Leakers, such as the YouTube channel Moore's Law is Dead, suggest that Microsoft is working with AMD on a new gaming system based on a "Magnus" APU. Interestingly, these rumors also claim that AMD engineers are shouldering a significant portion of the design burden.
This has led some critics to speculate that the next Xbox could essentially be a pre-built gaming PC with Xbox branding. If this proves true, and the console runs a variant of Windows while lacking platform-exclusive titles, it would undoubtedly stretch the very definition of a "first-party system."
Furthermore, this high-end, PC-like architecture almost guarantees a premium price tag. The next Xbox console could be considerably more expensive than not only the current Series X but also its future competitor, the PlayStation 6.
A Reassurance with Questions
Phil Spencer's comments successfully accomplish one primary goal: alleviating fears that Microsoft is exiting the hardware business. The confirmation of a first-party console in development is a clear message of commitment to the dedicated console market.
Yet, it also opens the door to a new set of questions. In an era where the Xbox platform is defined by its software and services, available on a growing range of devices, what will make the next Xbox console a must-have piece of hardware? The answer to that question will define the next generation for Microsoft and its passionate community of players.