Xbox Series X successor and Xbox handheld quietly teased

It’s always exciting news when information drops on a new-gen console, especially when it involves not one but two consoles, as claimed by a recent Xbox rumour.

The Xbox Series X/S launched in November 2020, so it’s not even four years old at this point, but that hasn't stopped rumours already circulating of its successor, whether it's related to a next-gen console or a mid-gen upgrade.

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Judging by previous console releases, there was a seven-year gap between the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and just a four-year gap between the original Xbox and the Xbox 360, not taking into account any mid-gen upgrades. So it should come as no surprise that Microsoft is already hard at work on the next successor.

However, according to Windows Central journalist and host of the Xbox Two podcast, Jez Corden believes that a handheld Xbox console is currently in development and is intended to be a companion of sorts to the Series X successor.

[Rumor]:

According to @JezCorden the Xbox Handheld will be a separate device, an add-on to the Series X successor and not a hybrid device.

Next-Gen Xbox:
-Traditional home console
-Handheld add-on pic.twitter.com/i6sbxY5Ot6

— Kloot (@ZakkenKloot) August 6, 2024

What’s more, Corden speculated that the arrival of the two new Xbox consoles could launch alongside Microsoft’s plans to “end the paywall for premium multiplayer games.” This means that he believes that we won’t have to pay an online subscription for full-priced multiplayer games, similar to free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.

Of course, it’s all speculation at this time but it should come as little surprise that Microsoft is already working on its next consoles. That being said, if Microsoft does remove the requirement of having to pay for multiplayer access for premium games, that would be a huge statement.

As always, we’ll keep you posted if we hear further developments on today’s story whether it's related to a new-gen console, handheld or the removal of paywalled multiplayer games.