Xbox boss confirms “next-gen hardware is in development”

Microsoft has confirmed that its “next-generation hardware” is in development.

In an interview with DiversityXbox president Sarah Bond discussed the company's partnership with ROG for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld – the buzz around which Bond called “overwhelming” – but insisted the firm is “100 percent committed to creating [Xbox hardware] in the future” too.

“We are 100 percent looking forward to creating something in the future. We are developing next generation equipment. We do prototyping and design,” Bond said.

“We have a partnership with AMD that we announced, so that's coming. We saw an opportunity here to innovate in new ways and give gamers another choice to complement our next generation hardware. We always listen to what players and creators want. When there is demand for innovation, we are going to create it.”

Bond continued: “We want people to have choice. We want strong players who want the latest innovation, who want to push the boundaries of what's possible, for the most demanding players to have the opportunity. And then if anyone is looking for PC gaming on the go, they're a casual gamer, they're a gaming enthusiast, then there's Xbox Allys for them. By giving people multiple choices so we can truly meet people where they are.

“There's a lot more innovation to come, including things like further optimizing the experience, expanding the handheld compatibility program, offering additional benefits and improvements to performance and other features. […] that we're going to give people more choice and more games,” Bond added.

Last week Microsoft has denied claims that US retailers have stopped selling its Xbox Series X and S consolesinsisting that the major chains “remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories and games” after Costco has reportedly stopped selling Xbox consoles in the US and UK. both online and in physical stores.