Summary
Xboxhas unfortunately been hit with a massive leak thanks to parent companyMicrosoft’s ongoing battle with the FTCover its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While this development is a massive headache for Xbox, whose plans for the next few years have been laid bare for public scrutiny, it has some value for those who are interested in the company’s future.
Not all leaks are equal, but they are almost always unwelcome. Unannounced plans are sometimes in the early stages and may not otherwise see the light of day. Any potential competitive advantage from those that are in the later stages of development that may have been had is lost, carefully crafted marketing strategies are derailed. Some leaks cannot be plugged, and the Xbox FTC leak is one of them. One thing that must be kept in mind is that the information leaked inMicrosoft’s case with the FTCis from 2022. A lot can change over the span of a year, though at least some of the plans mentioned will likely come to fruition.
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Xbox Hardware Roadmap
Probably one of the most significant parts of this leak is the hardware roadmap for Xbox. Upcoming Xbox hardware revealed in the leak includes mid-gen refresh consoles, controllers, as well as an Xbox handheld.There is no indication that Xbox is working on a handheldat this time, but it has been mentioned here as a potential future project. The picture that is used for the Xbox handheld may simply be a mockup.
The FTC leak revealsmore about the Xbox Series X refreshthan anything else. The next iteration of the flagship Xbox console codenamed Brooklin features a cylindrical design and several interesting features that seem to be geared toward sustainability. It does not feature a disk drive.
Brooklin is described as featuring a redesigned southbridge “to modernize IO and sustainability efforts.” The Series S refresh is not described in detail like the X, but a small picture of it can be seen.It looks similar to the popular Series S, but is probably smaller. The 2 consoles will launch at prices of $499 and $299 for the Series X and Series S respectively. Both consoles were only due to be revealed in June 2024. It also seems like Xbox views the target market for each console as separate audiences.
More New Xbox Hardware
An interesting detail that might be overlooked in the FTC Xbox leak is the mention of Project Keystone, a cloud-only version of theXbox that once appeared on Phil Spencer’s shelf. Project Keystone was reportedly canceled toward the end of 2022. Any or all of the other hardware and games mentioned could have met the same fate, but it is worth looking at them anyway.
Other new hardware in the works includes a few controllers. A new “core"Xbox controller codenamed Sebile, a one-handed controller, a mobile controller, a “Premium” and “Elite” controller, as well as a gaming mouse and keyboard. Again, a couple of these are mentioned under the “not in scope for first party” column; the mobile controller and a media controller, which is presumably the one-handed controller already mentioned.
What does appear to be in the pipeline is the PC accessories along with the “luxury” and “elite” controllers, codenamed Zarasai and Actium respectively. These three hardware items are under a list of items that are on theXboxradar, but haven’t been funded as yet. “Repairability and sustainability” is another item on this list, suggesting that Microsoft is moving towards hardware that users can be more easily fixed when broken. Controllers are typically the first thing to wear out with consoles, after all.
Upcoming Games From Xbox
A roadmap of upcoming Xbox video games has also found its way into the public eye. Big first-party games appear to be spread fairly thin over the next couple of years, unless. Perhaps the big Activision bid was made to pad out what looks like a sparse release schedule. If this information is in any way accurate, the onlyfirst party titles Xbox gamers have to look forward toin the year followingStarfieldareIndiana Jonesand a remaster ofOblivion.
The following financial year, which is presumably 2025, starts off withDOOM Year Zeroand also has 2 unnamed projects referred to only as Project Kestrel and Project Platinum. The final year on the list is a little more colorful withThe Elder Scrolls 6,“Licensed IP Game,” aGhostwire Tokyosequel, a remaster ofFallout 3,andDishonored 3.
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Xbox 10th Generation
Another infographic that shows Xbox’s goals heading toward 2030 reveals that the company is or was planning to release its 10th Generation hardware in calendar year 2029, with Gen 9 game development stopping around calendar year 2026. This timeline is fairly consistent with the most educated guesses on the lifespan of Gen 9 consoles, but it is probably best not to take it too seriously.
The leaked documents reveal that there are mid-gen refresh consoles on the horizon, new controllers in the works. Several games are also being developed, and the 10th generation Xbox is likely in the early stages of development. The near future may be dry in terms of first partyXboxgames, but while their existence hasn’t officially been acknowledged,DOOM Year Zero,Fallout 3 Remastered,an officialOblivionremaster, andDishonored 3could all be exciting games to look forward to.
