Xbox Next-Gen Console Plans 'Not Impacted' By Microsoft Layoffs

"could even possibly include Steam support."

Only if it's a PC/console hybrid and it won't be cheap, comparatively speaking.

Of course that seems to be what the Xbox faithful want judging by comments on this site.
However, it'll have zero mass market appeal so will likely sell even less than the Series consoles. Microsoft are all set to hand over the next generation to Sony with a bow on it.

Every cloud has a silver lining

People will still try to say xbox hardware is dead.

@BacklogBrad

If they're discussing traditional Xbox console hardware then yes, they're correct.

@NishimuraX I think that one way or another consoles should have no more than 10-15 years of existence left. In a couple of decades I would find it odd that we will still be using a device next to the TV for gaming.

I don't think Microsoft sees this as a gift to Sony, but as something they have to comply with in order to transition to whatever comes next without losing the audience.

I don't think Sony sees it as a gift either, they must also know that outside of their console they have it complicated and must extend outside in the coming years to continue to exist in the long term.

@NishimuraX what kind of made-up, subjective term is traditional console hardware? Shouldn't every generation have a goal of innovating in some way?

Is the switch traditional Nintendo console hardware? The xbox one with the focus on bringing all forms of entertainment onto the gaming console, the first disc based consoles, the first ones to offer digital games, etc....

Glad to hear it. It's a harsh week ahead, but this is good news - even if expected.

@Gabrie

I firmly believe a lot of folk are going to end up with egg on their face come next the generation when both Sony and Nintendo's respective console/software business is flying (again) and Microsoft's total lack of strategy sees them floundering in the dirt.

@BacklogBrad

You think a PC with an Xbox logo slapped on it qualifies as a game console? You think that's innovative?

Pop news. It's not.

Yeah sure, they're just sacking tons of staff and cancelling games, no wonder they're putting Steam on it as thats all it'll be good for

I mean at a certain point if you nuke enough developers, close enough studios and cancel enough games it's affecting the next gen hardware. Sure, they'll still make it but bad first-party support is pretty fatal.

Somehow I feel like this will change between now and whenever "Next Gen" starts. I feel like Microsoft may just hand off hardware to an OEM and slap an Xbox logo on the box like the ROG Ally. And even IF the next hardware is produced/manufactured by M$, it will most certainly be the last one before they go full 3rd party.

It won’t be an Xbox console it will a PC with an Xbox logo on it playing PC games.

Just like the handheld is now with Asus.

That is definitely not a next generation Xbox console.

@Ernie

"Could be Sony is releasing a PC with PlayStation logo slapped on it"

No, I'm afraid not and there is absolutely nothing to suggest otherwise.
It's only Microsoft heading down this path. Today's news across the Xbox landscape only serves to confirm Microsofts paradigm shift for their "console division"
Denial is not a place in Egypt.

Honestly, whatever it is, I'll be looking with interest but with no hurry to update.
We'll see. I'm not going back to Playstation which is always like double the price (on consoles AND games) here, and the less said about Nintendo, the better.

Excuse my french but I would f**king hope next gen plans aren't effected!!!

@Lup Exactly whatever Sony or playstation comes up with next gen i wouldn't be rushing out the buy it my series x is a beast of a machine with top quality visuals that's why I upgraded from series s because the x is going to do me for the next few years guaranteed!
And id encourage anyone on a series s to do the same before going next gen the series x is a powerhouse💪

Nah, not for me.

Xbox is done for me now. It is very easy for me to walk away at this point.

• Microsoft is cutting staff and studios to stop making losses.
• Manufacturing a new next-gen Xbox console would be expensive.
• The next-gen Xbox will likely be manufactured by third-party companies. The Asus Xbox X.

Just build a PC instead.
And no, you don't need to spend $3000 to build a good gaming PC, more capable or equal to consoles.

I'll continue my combo, of PC and a Nintendo console.
Haven't even turned on my PS5 in months.

Not impacted, until the next round.

Will be impacted after the next console is released and then MS just get other companies to make "Xboxes". As with the rog handheld. 3rd party made it and then we heard that MS had cancelled their own handheld project. Have done the same with VR.

Impacted me in that there is absolutely no way I'm buying into this ecosystem any further after this layoff chaos. F-'em.

Making hardware with no games. This will will save the company.

@BacklogBrad until I see a working xbox-PC hybrid with steamOS kind of experience, I dont believe it if we talking 2-3 years for next gen. Down the road sometime in the future, maybe gen after next - sure thing.

Personally, if they really nail the formula - I would buy one even at 1-1.2k. But sounds too good to be true if you ask me.

@Exerion76 problems start when average console player tries to connect his PC under tv...not fully functional with a controller, but also PC sizes are usually big. Plus all the settings and hussle.

I would say for majority of 30+ people - we are too tired to sit at the desktop after work. Thats why we buy consoles. For now unless we see a confirmed xbox OS device for next gen (series X 2-like) its PS6 or S2.

@Exerion76

"And no, you don't need to spend $3000 to build a good gaming PC"

No, you don't. That is and always was a fallacy cooked up by the console-only crowd. You can spend £3k if you want, but it's not necessary. I spent £1300 on mine and it eats the PS5 and Series X for lunch with added dessert.

I just can't shake the feeling that xbox will botch this expensive sounding hybrid PC-console with some bone-headed idea like only allowing you to play steam games if you sub to gamepass, or keeping multiplayer pay-walled, or not supporting GOG or epic game store, or blocking mods or emulators. They are going to screw something up I'm certain, it's microsoft after all

Why not scrap the next-gen console (or PC with an Xbox logo on it or whatever) and keep Everwild and Perfect Dark going instead?

@NishimuraX $1300 for a PC is still way more than a $300 Xbox Series S lol. I don't care about power, I'd rather take the competent but more affordable option.

@Questionable_Duck

Ah yes, take the absolute budget console of the two in a weak attempt to spin your narrative. I'm confident if I search through your comment history I'll find some comment lamenting the Series S "holding development back".

@NishimuraX The fallacy is positing that console gamers are resistant to PC just because of the price.

IF it's a device to bridge the cap of APIs/dev kits, by all means, whether Steam, Xbox, any other store front.

I mean not like Windows 8, Phone, Xbox didn't try to at some point. Why not again?

Make things easier then too segmented. Make releases easier to go about doing so but still keep the strict hardware a console always has been besides upgrades sold as a package.

Sure store licensing can't be cheap, and sure whatever things go about policies, cuts and more between platforms but I mean sure.

I personally don't care for Steam on a console, I barely use Steam as it is, I don't even buy digital on PC/Xbox anyway really. So the offering is fair but it won't change my mind really.

The layoffs eh, those that were incompetent good riddance, those that struggled to keep up but were really trying, I feel for them, those that are veterans can go anywhere, whatever Microsoft/other demands sure it's tough but they took too long, they wasted time/money, the directions, expectations to meet and more factors of changing their minds or whatever the case, is just yeah, a challenge but I mean if they didn't meet them, it is what it is.

@OldGamer999 very tempted to wait for my GP retire in 2027, play backlog and go with ps6 next gen…
And there are also rumours of price hikes so it will be harder to justify tho I still believe GP would be the main (only) reason to bother with whatever next gen will be for xbox.

I have a lot of things i dont like with sony but at least they are dedicated to consoles and also its where all the 3rd party will be after ps5 breaks ps4 records. It seems PC+PS5 is the main focus for 3rd party, then S2 and only then xbox.
We will also likely have have steam option.
And sony still do AAA exclusives even tho its way less than in earlier years.

I think its the xbox consoles and GP that we loved is ehats holding us and have faith in them. We cant accept those good ol times are gone.
Regardless of how good is hardware its about games, 3rd party support, exclusives (like it or not), and clear vision/messaging.

Sony doesnt have to do anything- them saying they are committed to consoles hardware is already enough to sway good half of xboxers next gen…and thats a problem in itself. We will see sony becoming second Nintendo

They say one thing and do the opposite the next month. I don’t trust them anymore.
« Only four games », the closure of Tango, the cancellation of Perfect Dark, the scrapped Xbox handheld project…
I’m pretty sure they’ll cancel the next Xbox too, no matter what they claim now.
It feels like they’ve done everything possible to destroy a once popular brand.

I’ll focus on my Switch 2 now… and I don’t want to support Sony.

The sales of this are indeed impacted by these layoffs, I can't trust MSFT anymore in good faith

@Sindayl I need to get more into my Switch 2 tbh, loaded so many Switch 1 games on. I can't wait for Duskbloods. Nintendo has always had good game play, a fun time and you can expect great surprises as a gamer. They don't have the strongest hardware but you know they're in the business of building entertaining experiences

@Millionski this is a complete U turn from my comments the other day about everyone should just enjoy gaming and not worry about the future. But after today's announcements, I am concerned now.

I have thought about it this morning and I honestly think the main factor in me sticking to my Series X atm is purely game pass. I very rarely play games not on the service. It is exactly what MS want!
I am lucky in that I was able to stack GP for multiple months at the fraction of the cost, so it has already paid for itself.
SO I think I am just going to run through my game pass until it expires. Enjoy it for what it gives and they make a decision on what to do next.
I m not saying the brand will die but it does make you think about where you should be spending your money

@NishimuraX I've definitely never said that. I think the claim that the Series S holds games back is nonsense. Only two games in the last five years have ever been delayed because of the Series S. Granted, they're notable games, but still.

It's perfectly fine if you prefer playing games on a beefy PC, though. If I wasn't broke and had a bunch of money to spend, I would probably buy a $1000 gaming PC, too. But right now, I'm perfectly fine sticking with the budget options, like the Series S. There's no way I'd be able to get a gaming rig for $250, which is what I got my Series S for.