• News

  • TV & Film

  • PlayStation

  • Xbox

  • Nintendo

  • PC

  • Reviews

  • News

  • TV & Film

  • PlayStation

  • Xbox

  • Nintendo

  • PC

  • Reviews

  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Threads
Submit Your Content
Xbox new-gen hardware leak raises backwards compatibility concerns
Home>News>Platform>Xbox
Published 10:28 16 May 2025 GMT+1

Xbox new-gen hardware leak raises backwards compatibility concerns

The future is looking uncertain for Xbox

Angharad Redden

Angharad Redden

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: Microsoft

Topics: Microsoft, Xbox, Tech

Advert

Advert

Advert

The current generation of Xbox consoles is heading into its fifth year and with technology advancing at a rapid rate, it is no wonder that Microsoft has already turned its attention to next-gen.

Over recent months, rumours have suggested that Microsoft is working on a number of unnamed projects including the successor to the Xbox Series X/S, a handheld console, and another handheld gaming system known as Project Kennan.

Check out the current-gen of Xbox consoles in the trailer below!

Advert

The latter is rumoured to be similar to that of the Steam Deck and will operate on Windows. Additionally, it is expected to launch later this year in collaboration with ASUS.

As for the unnamed handheld console and successor console, not much has been confirmed by Microsoft itself.

However, according to a report on ResetERA forums, a Qualcomm job listing reveals that the next-generation of Xbox products will be based on the ARM/Snapdragon platform which could cause some concerns for backwards compatibility as it differs from what Microsoft has historically used for its software.

More specifically, the job listing will require a director of sales that could support "sell-in activities for the next generation of Surface and Xbox products built on Snapdragon solutions”.

With the use of the word “products”, we can assume that any upcoming Xbox product will use ARM and Snapdragon and although this will greatly increase the power of the units, it will mean that current games built using x86 architecture will no longer be compatible.

Of course, this has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft but it would be a big sacrifice to exchange power for access to current games.

It has not yet been confirmed what Xbox product will be released next but thanks to recent comments by Xbox head Phil Spencer and the looming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we can expect it to be either Project Kennan or another unnamed handheld.

This would make even more sense if the rumours of Sony working on a handheld unit also come to fruition.

  • Xbox CEO Hints At Cheaper Pricing Than Expected For Next-Gen Console
  • Xbox's Next-Gen Project Helix Sets Official Release Window, It's Happening
  • Xbox Hardware Gets Nifty Visual Boost As New Upscaling Technology Launches
  • Xbox Officially Unveils Gorgeous New Hardware We Need Immediately

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
7 hours ago
11 hours ago
12 hours ago
  •  Red Moon Workshop
    2 hours ago

    This Brutal Rogue-Like Fighting Game Will Test Even Expert Players, Rage Guaranteed

    One for the Street Fighter and Tekken enjoyers

    News
  • Rockstar Games
    7 hours ago

    GTA 6's Latest Price Leak Seems Most Realistic, Prepare Your Wallet

    GTA 6 pre-orders begin next week, and this new leak may have revealed the amount of editions that'll be available.

    News
  • Capcom
    11 hours ago

    Ghost Of Tsushima 2026 Spiritual Successor Release Date May Be Brought Forward

    Capcom's new action-adventure game may be slightly shifted to avoid September AAA rush.

    News
  • Xbox Game Studios / Sony Interactive Entertainment
    12 hours ago

    Halo Clears Up PlayStation Plus Confusion With Simple Solution

    A correction has now been issued to what's required to play Halo: Campaign Evolved in local split-screen.

    News