Summary

  • Xbox could adopt a dual console strategy in the future, with one being a traditional box and the other a dockable console like the Nintendo Switch.
  • This approach would appeal to a wider audience and make the console ecosystem more accessible with potenitally lower prices.
  • The rumor should be taken with caution as the source is not a verified industry insider, but it could be good news for fans worried about Xbox leaving the console market.

Microsoft's Xbox platform has been the center of a lot of rumors and news recently, and it doesn't look like the storm of shake-ups is abating any time soon. A new rumor indicates a possible dual console strategy in the future that could significantly shift Xbox's position in the market. If the news is to be believed, however, it also confirms that some things will stay the same for fans of the platform, which can come as a relief amid reports of Microsoft shifting to multi-platform development that are uncomfortably reminiscent of SEGA's complete departure from console manufacturing.

The newest Xbox rumor comes courtesy of Middleagegameguy (handle on X, formerly Twitter) of the XNC PODCAST, as reported by Wccftech. In the February 5 episode of the XNC PODCAST, which covers Xbox news and leaks as a whole, Middleagegameguy referred to a split release model for the next generation of Xbox. One of the two options is supposed to be a "dedicated actual box console," while the other would be a "dockable console," which would be a similar product to the Nintendo Switch.

What The Dual Release Xbox Console Could Mean

Master Chief and Indiana Jones with an astronaut from Starfield on a planet looking at an Xbox logo
Custom Image by Glenn Bunn

The approach described by Middleagegameguy could double down on the idea introduced by the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S split, with one system that emphasizes power being accompanied by a more affordable alternative. Making the Series S successor a handheld hybrid could give it more unique appeal, although packing even comparable graphical performance into the form factor is likely to come with compromises. This concept would presumably follow up on a project referenced in leaks from the FTC v. Microsoft case in 2023, which established plans to leverage the combined power of client- and cloud-side computing.

Master Chief from Halo, Mario from Super Mario and Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater
Related
Xbox Isn't Losing The Console Wars, It's Evolving

While rumors around the end of Xbox exclusives indicate a troubled future for the console, they're likely part of an intentional shift in strategy.

This idea would presumably make it possible to play games natively at a graphically reduced capacity and get improved fidelity whenever the internet is accessible, delivering a more reliable way to make use of weaker hardware. This could be a good way to get more people into the console ecosystem, as the $500 retail prices of the current generation flagships have largely held for several years, making the barrier to entry high. It would also give Xbox a more direct angle to compete with the presumably Nintendo Switch successor, which is expected to make a big leap in performance.

That being said, it's best to take the rumor with a grain of salt. Middleagegameguy has reported on Xbox leaks before, but he isn't a direct industry insider or someone with a clear history of completely reliable information, and there's no indication of what his source is for this particular tidbit. For anyone concerned about Xbox potentially leaving the console market, however, it could definitely be welcome news. More information about the future of Xbox should be coming next week, so it's possible that the rumor could be at least somewhat confirmed depending on what Xbox decides to be present.

Sources: Middleagegameguy/X, Wccftech, colteastwood/YouTube