- Microsoft is rethinking the next-gen Xbox console, says insider.
- Instead, they’re expected to embrace the publisher route fully.
- More retailers will soon stop selling Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Update: A new report from Windows Central by Jez Corden has debunked this rumor. Microsoft remains firm in its plans for the next-generation Xbox console(s).
Ever since Xbox adopted the publisher route, doubts have been circulating about whether the gaming giant will abandon its console strategy, as exclusivity is no longer on the table, and there’s no reason to buy an Xbox device.
However, Microsoft reiterated that it is actively developing the next-gen hardware in collaboration with AMD. Those plans may falter soon, as insider expects Microsoft to backtrack on their decision following the recent developments in their gaming division.
Why it matters: With Xbox leaving the console market, there will be no competition, leaving PlayStation as the sole manufacturer. Zero competition will prove to be quite unhealthy for gaming as a whole.
According to SneakersSO, a reliable industry insider, plans for next-gen Xbox hardware have shifted from being ‘definitive’ to ‘up in the air.’ It appears that Microsoft is questioning whether it’ll be able to succeed with its new first-party Xbox hardware.
Well, rightfully so, since Xbox Series X|S users have stagnated, and recent price hikes have made buying these consoles even harder. Furthermore, major retail stores like Costco have pulled these consoles back from their shelves due to the same reason.
SneakersSO further states that more retailers will soon stop selling the Series X|S consoles, indicating that the current gen of Xbox hardware will end sooner than expected.
Microsoft is expected to take a publisher route akin to SEGA and will focus on core IPs such as CoD, Forza Horizon, and more. With billions of dollars in acquisitions, Xbox has still been performing mediocre as a gaming brand. In the publisher route, they would finally make some money for this investment.
Aside from that, the insider also expects the Xbox brand to continue through OEMs. However, with recent dirt up the gaming giant’s name, he doubts if any manufacturer will want to attach Team Green’s name to them.
In any case, this is the reason why they’ve been doubling down on Cloud Gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming has finally left beta and now has a dedicated tier, which may become the brand’s future.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft ditching next-gen Xbox consoles? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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[Staff Writer]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
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