Details of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console revealed
In the wake of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pressing its case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, recent court documents have inadvertently revealed Microsoft’s future plans for its Xbox console and accompanying game lineup. Microsoft envisages the release of a new Xbox Series X/S iteration in 2024, followed by the next-generation Xbox in 2028.
The reimagined Xbox Series X, slated for an October 2024 release, is priced at $499. Codenamed “Brooklin,” it boasts a novel cylindrical design. Notably, it eschews the traditional disc drive. Powered by a custom SoC transitioning to a 6nm manufacturing process, it promises a 15% reduction in power consumption. It’s further enhanced with Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, and offers up to a whopping 2TB storage, all complemented by a USB Type-C interface. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S, tagged at $299 and set for an August 2024 launch, carries the codename “Ellewood.” While it retains its predecessor’s design, it will also be upgraded to incorporate Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
In addition to these consoles, Microsoft is poised to introduce an “even more immersive” game controller. Dubbed “Sebile” and priced at $69.99, this state-of-the-art controller features quieter buttons and joysticks, a rechargeable replaceable battery, modular joysticks, and the incorporation of a gyroscope accelerometer. Further enhancing user experience, it supports a wake-on-pickup feature, and both “precise haptic feedback” and “VCA haptic-cum-speaker” now come as standard.
Perhaps more intriguingly, details concerning the next-generation Xbox have also come to light. The forthcoming console’s CPU may either be based on Arm64 or x64, with the latter potentially embracing AMD’s Zen 6 architecture. The GPU might be grounded in AMD’s graphics IP or the RDNA 5 architecture. Thus, should Microsoft opt for Arm64, it might well harness AMD’s graphic prowess. Conversely, selecting the Zen 6 structure may likely lead to the continuation of the current approach: crafting a custom APU that integrates a GPU based on the RDNA 5 architecture, a strategy that seems more probable. Regardless of Microsoft’s eventual choice, support for next-gen DirectX ray tracing technology is assured.
Within Microsoft’s ambitious console blueprint, the next-gen Xbox will incorporate an NPU, providing a programmable machine learning processing unit, thus offering developers unparalleled flexibility in application design. Microsoft’s fervent endeavors to integrate artificial intelligence technology span the entirety of game development, aiming to deliver a plethora of functionalities and superior outcomes.
