Microsoft teases "premium" next-gen Xbox console after $1,000 handheld release

Microsoft has hinted that its next-generation Xbox console will be a premium piece of hardware, offering a “very high-end curated experience.”

In an interview with Mashable, Xbox president Sarah Bond discussed the company’s direction for its next console, following the recent release of the $1,000 ROG Xbox Ally X handheld device.

“The next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end curated experience,” Bond said. “You're starting to see some of the thinking we have in this handheld, but I don't want to give it all away.”

Microsoft has already confirmed that it plans to follow the Xbox Series X and Series S with new hardware and recently announced a partnership with AMD to develop it.

The company promised “next-level performance, cutting-edge graphics, breakthrough gameplay, and unmatched compatibility,” ensuring full support for existing Xbox game libraries.

The cost of the upcoming console remains unknown, though Bond’s comments have led fans to speculate that it could carry a high price tag, particularly after recent increases in the cost of Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscriptions.

In September, prices for Xbox consoles rose across several models, with the Xbox Series X now priced at $649.99 and the 2TB Galaxy Special Edition retailing for $799.99.

Microsoft is reportedly targeting a 2027 release for both its next-gen console and an accompanying handheld device. Reports suggest the new Xbox could adopt a hybrid design with PC-like features and support for third-party storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Bond added that Microsoft’s long-term goal is to make Xbox gaming more accessible across devices. “This is all about building you a gaming platform that’s always with you… delivering an Xbox experience not tied to one device,” she said.