Microsoft is envisioning a hybrid platform that combines the power of the console and cloud to enable a new class of gaming experiences, according to a leaked company presentation.
Not only have Microsoft's leaked documents, which were supposed to be kept secret as part of the FTC v. Microsoft case, revealed new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles and a new controller.
They have also revealed Microsoft's tentative plans to launch a next-gen Xbox console in calendar year 2028, according to The Verge, as part of its gaming vision for 2030.
Next-gen console is planned for calendar year (CY) 2028. Photo: FTC v. Microsoft document
The hybrid Xbox
If Microsoft presses forward with the plans outlined in the leak, the next generation of Xbox will be a different beast, although it is not clear exactly what.
- "Our Vision: Develop a next generation hybrid game platform capable of leveraging the combined power of the client and cloud to deliver deeper immersion and entirely new classes of game experiences. Optimized for real time game play and creators, we will enable new levels of performance beyond the capabilities of the client hardware alone," the presentation reads.
Microsoft is apparently considering a switch to an ARM-based CPU, which would break backwards compatibility with existing Xbox games unless Microsoft builds an emulator or a porting solution. On the GPU side, the company is preparing to take advantage of next-gen ray-tracing and super-resolution, which will require a powerful NPU.
Nintendo and Apple are already building their current gaming platforms on ARM-based CPUs.
There is no information on Microsoft's thinking on 4K, 8K, higher frame rates, HDR and audio technologies in the documents.
Microsoft's vision for the next-gen hybrid console. Photo: FTC v. Microsoft document
Xbox games on all devices
In addition, Microsoft is considering a "thin OS", a reference to the "thin client" where most of the powerful processing happens – or can happen – in the cloud.
This would enable even devices that cost less than $99 to run the latest Xbox games, according to Microsoft's presentation.
The plan represents the next step for cloud gaming to make Xbox games playable not only on consoles and PCs but all kinds of devices including TVs and smartphones.
This would be a radical change so it remains to be seen if Microsoft follows through but either way it sounds like 2028 will be the year of the next-gen game consoles.
Microsoft's 2030 plan for gaming. Photo: FTC v. Microsoft document
- Source: The Verge
