Microsoft is charting the future of Xbox with a player-first approach that extends across dedicated consoles, handhelds, and multiple devices. The company imagines a seamless ecosystem where gamers can switch between platforms—whether at home or on the go—without losing progress.
Jason Ronald, VP of Xbox’s Next Generation division, outlined this vision on the Official Xbox Podcast. According to Ronald, the goal is to design a platform that reflects how modern gamers play today.
“When we think about the future of Xbox, we’re really focused on how do we put the player at the center of the experience. The vast majority of players now play across different devices,” Ronald explained.
Microsoft sees the handheld Xbox ROG Ally as an important part of this ecosystem, complementing traditional consoles. The company is committed to building dedicated hardware for home use while enabling gamers to carry their experiences wherever they go.
“So what we’re really focused on is evolving the Xbox ecosystem to let players enjoy their games wherever they want, while continuing to deliver optimized devices like the Xbox Ally and our next-generation console,” Ronald added.
Next-Gen Xbox: Powered by AMD and AI
According to a report of Gamespot, the upcoming Xbox console will be built on AMD technology, promising a dramatic leap forward in performance. Microsoft says players can expect “a deeper level of visual quality” alongside more “immersive gameplay” enhanced through AI integration.
Back in February, Xbox president Sarah Bond teased that this new console will deliver “the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.”
Another key change could come in how games are distributed. Microsoft has hinted that future titles may not be locked to a single store or device, signaling a more open approach.
Xbox ROG Ally Launching Soon
Meanwhile, the Xbox ROG Ally handheld is set to launch this holiday season with two models:
ROG Xbox Ally X – Black design, AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme chipset, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD
ROG Xbox Ally – White design, AMD Ryzen Z2A chipset, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed pricing, leaks suggest the premium Ally X could cost around $1,050, with the base model expected at $699.
The launch coincides with a milestone for the brand, as the Xbox Series X|S will celebrate its fifth anniversary this November.
