new xbox President Asha Sharma hasn't been at the helm for long and is already starting the conversation about hardware again. In his first major public interview since taking over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Sharma told Windows Central that the company plans to publicly announce the next phase of its Xbox console development, teasing an upcoming announcement that many players have been waiting for.
Sharma's comments about hardware development come amid major leadership changes that began with the retirement of longtime Xbox chief Phil Spencer, who had shaped the brand around Game Pass subscriptions and cross-platform gaming. Sharma, previously known for his work on Microsoft's AI and platform products, outlined his vision for a “return to Xbox,” emphasizing a rededication to the console experience that has defined the brand for decades.
Sharma's “Back to Xbox” philosophy starts with hardware
It's safe to say that the question hanging over much of the Xbox community (and all platform communities for that matter) is what comes next after the current generation of consoles has passed its prime. Well, Asha Sharma didn't shy away from asking that question during a conversation with Windows Central, confirming her goal of making it a top priority as part of her “Back to Xbox” philosophy. “I’m committed to ‘getting back on Xbox,’” Sharma said. “And it starts with the console, and it starts with the hardware. You'll hear more about that soon. We'll have some announcements soon.”
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While the statement doesn't give a definitive release schedule or reveal any specific products, it's one of the clearest confirmations in recent memory from Microsoft's gaming leadership that next-generation Xbox hardware will soon be publicly discussed. This is noteworthy for fans who have been speculating what would come after the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which have been on the market for several years.
It's no secret that Xbox hardware has been the subject of controversy for months. There have been reports and rumors swirling about whether Microsoft could move away from traditional console development to much more expansive development, especially considering its heavy investments in services like Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming. Some argue that Xbox may be more of a software and services brand than a hardware manufacturer.
But Sharma's comments directly address this uncertainty by confirming Xbox's future puts consoles and hardware first, suggesting that Microsoft now sees these elements as fundamental to the brand rather than optional. “I think our core Xbox fans and players have invested up to 25 years into this world and our console,” she said. This isn't just about protecting the time and money players have already invested in their Xbox consoles, it's about further emphasizing the importance of hardware manufacturing.
“I’m committed to ‘getting back on Xbox,’” Sharma said. “And it starts with the console, and it starts with the hardware. You'll hear more about that soon. We'll have some announcements soon.”
That said, Xbox's strategy isn't necessarily limited to existing consoles. Even before Sharma's remarks, Microsoft and its partners had expanded into other hardware categories. The ROG Xbox Ally, for example, is expected to launch in late 2025, demonstrating Xbox's interest in hybrid or non-traditional platforms. Speaking to Windows Central, Sharma seemed to further reinforce this philosophy when he said, “We want to invest in bridging the artificial gaps between the different types of devices that our customers want to use with us. We think this will mean investing even more in breaking down barriers by helping developers build once and have access to a variety of hardware experiences.”
Still, for Xbox fans who have been waiting for the next major hardware reveal, Sharma's words are reassuring as they ultimately bring clarity to plans that were once shrouded in ambiguity. She made it very clear that Xbox plans to keep consoles and other hardware at the center of its product roadmap, even if the lack of specific details shows the public communication process is still in its early stages. But at least these approvals are still a big step forward and will likely fuel more speculation about what form the next-gen Xbox will take. Whether this means a traditional sequel to the Xbox Series X|S or a more ambitious sequel remains to be seen.
Source: PureXbox
