After confirmation of thePS5 Pro release datein September, some Xbox gamers were naturally green with envy. Even though the console’s $700 price was an unhappy surprise, the PS5 Pro boasts noticeable performance gains. The Xbox Series X is hardly outdated, but upcoming demanding titles likeGrand Theft Auto VIcould show its limitations.
Instead of releasing a new Xbox console to counter the PS5 Pro, Microsoft recently debuted a cheaper Series X Digital. Despite rumors of a more dramatically revamped Series X, such a machine has yet to surface. The company has stated that it’s prioritizing a system that will become thebest gaming consoleof the next generation. Still, a more involved analysis of Microsoft’s changing attitudes toward consoles can help explain this decision.
Mid-Generation Console Upgrades
Whenever a console has been on the market long enough, gamers inevitably begin looking toward the future. For some critics, that anticipation begins immediately, as they are never satisfied with the performance. Inevitably, developers start to push the boundaries of hardware as the visual fidelity of titles is enhanced. Not yet ready to release a new console, the solution for Microsoft and Sony has often been a mid-generation upgrade.
During the lifespan of the Xbox One and PS4, gamers had the opportunity to boost performance with upgraded consoles. The PS4 Pro arrived in November 2016, with the Xbox One X becoming available a year later. Both consoles focused on enhancing the 4K gaming experience with improved CPU and GPU performance. Based on benchmarks, the Xbox One X’s hardware proved superior, though many would argue that the PS4 Pro boasted better first-party exclusives.
PlayStation 5 Pro
Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro is the mid-generation evolution of the PS5, one that comes with an improved GPU and 2TB of storage space. The graphics card is advertised to offer 67% more compute units than the base PS5, along with 28% faster memory. The PS5 Pro also uses AI to offer an enhanced resolution for 4K TV and Advanced Ray Tracing.The console does not come with a disc drive or a vertical stand, both of which are sold separately.
Fast forwarding to the Xbox Series X and PS5, Sony is taking the same approach with its most recent console. With a faster GPU and support for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling, the console is being introduced with a list ofupgraded games for the PS5 Pro. However, the strong reaction to the PS5 Pro’s $700 price tag alone may justify Microsoft not offering a competing system.
For now, at least, Microsoft is taking a different approach than seen with the PS5 Pro or Xbox One X. Even so, in 2023, the theoretical Brooklin leaked as a result of a court case involving Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. That leads some analysts to speculate that it’s only a matter of time before a new Xbox console with updated specs surfaces.
What Happened to the Brooklin?
The Brooklin’s cylindrical design could have become a reality through a revised Xbox Series X in 2024. Instead, Microsoft released more conventional-looking consoles with theSeries X Digitaland the 2 TB Galaxy Black Special Edition. That leaves gamers wondering if the Brooklin was scrapped or if it will resurface in the future.
The rumored Brooklin didn’t include CPU or GPU power improvements, focusing on connectivity and power efficiency. Gamers downloading purchases from the Xbox Store or streaming content would benefit from a Wi-Fi 6E-compatible chip. Although Xbox consoles don’t supportgaming headsets through Bluetooth, the Brooklin would also offer Bluetooth 5.2. Finally, the console teased a convenient USB-C port capable of recharging devices on its front.
Consuming less power while producing the same performance was also a priority for the Brooklin. Microsoft planned to downsize the console’s system-on-a-chip (SoC) to 6 nm to create a slightly less power-hungry system. As a result, the necessary PSU to run the console would also be smaller and quieter.
Perhaps just as noteworthy was Microsoft potentially debuting a newXbox controlleralongside the Brooklin. The Sebile included some DualSense innovations that the current default Microsoft controller lacks. Among the advancements would be more convincing haptic feedback, with Voice Coil Actuator (VCA) haptics outputting audio effects. While it’s unknown if the included analog sticks embracedHall Effect, modular sticks suffering from stick drift could be swapped. The Sebile also relies on an internal rechargeable battery without requiring gamers to purchase an accessory.
Xbox Series X Digital
The Xbox Series X Digital is the best way yet to play Microsoft’s extensive collection of Game Pass titles. In a distinctive robot white color, Microsoft’s flagship console has the same 4K gaming capabilities and supports 120 fps gameplay. The Xbox Series X digital ships with a blazingly fast 1 TB SSD to ensure gamers have plenty of space for digital downloads. With the console, buyers receive the versatile Xbox Wireless Controller with a dedicated Share Button to boast gameplay achievements.
In fact, the Xbox Series X Digital shares several things in common with the Brooklin. Gamers must opt for the newGalaxy Black Series Xto match the Brooklin’s 2 TB storage, with the Series X Digital only using a 1 TB SSD. Still, Microsoft’s recently released all-digital console surprised some insiders by making some of the same hardware revisions as the rumored console.
Once testers could crack open the latest Series X models, they discovered the same smaller 6 nm SoC expected with the Brooklin. These changes don’t affect gaming performance; understandably, Microsoft didn’t find them significant enough to advertise. On the other hand, Xbox fans were not treated with the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB upgrades depicted in the leaked Brooklin photos.
Some Xbox gamers may have preferred a new controller over a digital console or a system with more storage. Sadly, there is no update on when the Sebile and its upgrades may see the light of day.
With Microsoft already making potential Brooklin changes to the latest Series X models, it’s less likely we will see another revised console soon. Faster internet and a front-facing USB-C port alone are not a compelling reason to purchase a new system.
Microsoft’s Evolving Gaming Strategy
With acquisitions of companies like Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s influence has expanded considerably in the past several years. However,sales of newer Xbox consoles, like the Xbox Series X, are dramatically lower than those of its PlayStation rival. The latest figures updated in Summer 2024 show that the PS5 sold 61.7 million units, more than twice the combined sales of the Series X and S. That’s particularly troubling for Microsoft’s flagship Xbox Series X, since the Series S is more popular. Despite the Xbox’s struggles, the console market is still healthy, with the PS5 now outselling the PS4 at the same point in their respective lifespans.
With these numbers, Microsoft is not rushing an updated Xbox console that’s a modest upgrade over the Series X. The company’s focus has shifted more towardmulti-platform gaming, releasing first-party titles likeSea of Thieveson PlayStation consoles. One theory is that Microsoft is teasing Sony gamers by showcasing a select number of games while keeping others exclusive to other platforms. Still, at least so far, it doesn’t appear this strategy is leading to an uptick in Xbox console sales.
With the strength of PC Game Pass, Microsoft is relying on subscription services for much of its entertainment revenue. Microsoft has always been a major player in PC gaming, and that segment of the marketplace continues to explode. Even Sony has ported more of its former exclusive titles to PCs, also wanting to capitalize on this trend. Meanwhile, Xbox Cloud Gaming enables Microsoft to have a presence on various mobile andstreaming devices. The service unlocks dozens of highly rated, playable Xbox-exclusive, and third-party titles without needing a dedicated gaming system.
Clearly, Microsoft’s success in the gaming arena isn’t tied only to the Series X and S. The obvious question, then, is whether Microsoft plans to launch another console at all.
The Future of Xbox Consoles
Anxious Xbox fans can take comfort in the fact that Microsoft has no plans to abandon future console development. Rather than release an expensive Series X Pro that only marginally improves performance, the gaming giant has a larger vision. During Microsoft’s court battle preceding the Activision Blizzard acquisition, 2028 emerged as a likely target date for a new generation of Xbox consoles. This timeline aligns with expectations of aPS6 release datein 2027 or 2028. The 2028 date is hardly set in stone, and recent leaks indicated that a new Xbox console could arrive sooner. An industry insider revealed that Microsoft may release a gaming system when a newCall of Dutygame debuts in 2026.
Eight years between the launch date of the Xbox Series X and a follow-up console runs somewhat contrary to history. The longest time between Xbox consoles occurred with the Xbox 360 appearing in 2005, not followed by the Xbox One until 2013. It’s important to remember that Xbox 360 was also Microsoft’s most successful console, selling just under 86 million systems. Microsoft then would release a series of three upgraded or revised Xbox One consoles over four years. On Sony’s end, the company consistently shipped new consoles six to seven years apart, with frequent mid-gen refreshes like the PS3 Slim or PS4 Pro.
The fact that Microsoft has yet to release a more powerful Series X gives some credence to the 2026 release theory. By the end of 2025, the Series X could struggle to maintain satisfactory framerates with games likeGrant Theft Auto VI. Consequently, Microsoft may feel pressured to produce a more powerful console for smooth 4K gameplay. Another possibility is that some of Brooklin’s improved connectivity combines with a boosted GPU, emerging as competition for the PS5 Pro.
Gamers also have some vague indications of what the next Xbox console may look like. Microsoft has hinted at a bigger leap in CPU and GPU horsepower than gamers experienced transitioning from the Xbox One to Series X. Microsoft’s next-genXbox console would include a dedicated AI chipand support features like Copilot. Also, buyers should expect Xbox titles going back several generations to be backward compatible, digitally or through physical media.
The Xbox 360 was successful in part because it was released one year before the PS3. Microsoft could execute the same game plan by bypassing an improved Series X and moving straight toward a new Xbox console. In any case, with continued rumors of anXbox handheldin development, Microsoft has no immediate plans to leave the console market.
For Now, the PS5 Pro Stands Alone
There are valid arguments that thePS5 Pro’s specsaren’t worth the console’s asking price. Regardless, Sony gamers will soon have a better-equipped system to process cutting-edge 4K visuals. The Xbox Series X handles most current titles without compromises, but that won’t always be the case. To remain relevant in the console hardware market, Microsoft will eventually need to either revise the Series X or release an entirely new machine.
Before its apparent cancellation, the leaked Brooklin gave some hope that Microsoft would release an upgraded console in 2024. While the Brooklin wouldn’t offer performance benefits, it had a radically different cylindrical design and modernized connectivity. Microsoft did implement some of its improved power efficiency in the new Series X Digital and Galaxy Black Special Edition.
Microsoft’s increasingly wide reach in the gaming industry also affects how it prioritizes a new Xbox console. Sony retains a significant lead in console sales even before the PS5 Pro release. Nevertheless, Game Pass, major publisher acquisitions, and cross-platform releases make Microsoft a force in the market.
Despite the doom and gloom, Microsoft hasn’t given up on designing a groundbreaking console. Influential Microsoft leaders like Sarah Bond and Phil Spencer have reaffirmed a commitment to designing innovative hardware. If rumors of a 2026 console release come to fruition, Microsoft could dominate with subscription services, game sales, and console sales.
FAQ
Q: Are gaming consoles dying out?
Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft will likely continue to release new consoles for many years to come. On the other hand, the rising costs of components, the growth of PC gaming, and the popularity of cloud gaming could slow console sales.
Q: How much faster is the PS5 Pro?
With more computing cores, faster RAM, and improved upscaling, the PS5 Pro should be a noticeable upgrade over the PS5. Lead PS5 Pro architect Mark Cerny expects the console to render visuals up to 45 percent faster than the PS5.
