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| Xbox and PS5 consoles shown in 2028 backdrop |
The gaming community is buzzing with rumors about the technological leaps promised by the next Xbox and the PlayStation 6. But beneath the excitement over potential specs and features, a more pressing concern is taking center stage: the fear of soaring prices. With rising costs for components like storage and memory, many gamers worry the next generation could be the least accessible yet. However, a new report suggests Microsoft is banking on a different strategy, expecting the consoles you already own to remain relevant for years to come.
In a revealing exclusive article for Windows Central, journalist Jez Corden previewed the roadmap for future Xbox hardware. More importantly, he shed light on the company's philosophy toward the existing console landscape. According to his sources, "Microsoft expects the Gen-9 Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to have a longer tail than usual." This extended lifespan is tied to what Corden describes as a "'broadening' hardware endpoint ecosystem."
The logic is rooted in recent history. Support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One titles didn't vanish when the PS5 and Series X|S arrived; it persisted for years. Looking forward, developers are already planning long-term support for less powerful but hugely popular devices like the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 and the Steam Deck. Combined with robust backward compatibility programs, this makes it more feasible and profitable for studios to keep producing games that run on older systems.
A "High-End" Future and the Search for Affordability
This strategy may be a direct response to the daunting price forecasts for the new hardware. Microsoft has internally labeled its next system as a “high-end” console, while some industry insiders speculate the PS6 could carry a staggering MSRP of $600 to $900. These concerns are amplified by the fact that current-gen consoles, the Series X|S and PS5, are already more expensive today than at their 2020 launch due to inflationary pressures.
Given this landscape, a massive market for affordable alternatives is inevitable. This raises a key question: What will replace the Xbox Series S? The budget-friendly Series S was a crucial partner to the premium Series X at the start of this generation. For the next, the answer may not be a single box.
According to Corden's exclusive report, the next-gen Xbox is envisioned more as a platform, potentially leaning into a console/PC hybrid model. AMD's CEO has hinted at a 2027 target for next-gen gaming chips. While this "high-end" device may sit at the top, Corden suggests that OEM partners—other hardware manufacturers—could offer streamlined, more affordable configurations to cater to cost-conscious gamers.
Market Realities: A Strategy Under Scrutiny
This forward-looking plan, however, faces immediate challenges. The current Xbox consoles are struggling with softening sales as Microsoft pivots its focus toward Windows gaming and a cross-platform publishing strategy. Some analysts have openly questioned the logic of continuing production. The PlayStation 5, in contrast, appears better positioned to thrive well beyond the announcement of its successor, thanks to its stronger exclusive lineup and market momentum.
As highlighted in a recent Xbox developer direct (which you can watch here), Microsoft's game is increasingly about software and services reaching every screen. This broader vision supports the idea of a lengthened console generation. If the next leap in hardware comes with a painful price tag, the industry's best move might be to ensure your current console doesn't feel obsolete overnight. The era of a clean, five-year reset may be over, replaced by a more gradual evolution where your trusty Series X or PS5 stays in the game for the long haul.
What do you think? Will you upgrade day one to a premium-priced next-gen console, or are you happy to ride out the current generation for longer? Let us know in the comments below.
Sources: Windows Central, Xbox YouTube.