Microsoft is not abandoning consoles, but major changes are coming, as confirmed by the head of Xbox, while rumors circulate about a $1000 price tag.
The next console generation will reportedly kick off in fall 2027, and both Sony and Microsoft have started to speak publicly about their plans. Both companies have, for example, already confirmed that their consoles will use AMD chips.
One of the big questions surrounding the upcoming consoles, however, is the price point, as this console generation has become more expensive over time for the first time ever.
Very premium, high-end Xbox
In an interview with Mashable, Xbox chief Sarah Bond was asked about rumors suggesting that the next Xbox will more closely resemble a gaming PC. She answered:
- "I can tell you you're right, that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end curated experience," said Sarah Bond. "You're starting to see some of the thinking we have in this handheld, but I don't want to give it all away."
Her comment confirms that the new console will be more expensive – very expensive, it seems. One reason is that Microsoft no longer plans to tie the console to its own game store, which the company itself has confirmed, while also focusing on more high-end hardware. It is unknown whether there will be a successor to the cheaper Xbox Series S.
Microsoft has previously said that the console will deliver "the biggest technological leap you've ever seen between console generations".
Twice as expensive?
Sources who have previously leaked accurate information about AMD-based consoles are now talking about a $1000 price point, as the console's hardware is reportedly expected to cost at least twice as much as that of the Xbox Series X, according to WCCFTech. For now, this is only a rumor.
Xbox Series X launched in November 2020 for $500. If the rumor is true, the next Xbox will debut at double that price – far exceeding inflation. The Xbox Series X today sells for more than $500 after multiple price hikes.
Asus and Microsoft recently launched a handheld ROG Xbox Ally X for $1000.
Sony has not given any indication of the PlayStation 6 price level, though expectations are that it will be cheaper than the new Xbox.
- Source: Mashable, WCCFTech
