Support NeoGAF

[ResilientBanana]

Can you tell us more info on this, and how does it compare to PS6?

When these statements are made, it usually pertains to the manufacturers brand. It’s not a comparison. Clearly the PS6 will most likely be a little better, but Microsoft wants to be early to the next-gen party.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Can you tell us more info on this, and how does it compare to PS6?

I was just correcting the wording he used

And sadly no I can't at this point

 

[The ninja farmer]

I like to think they will take the switch idea to the usual Microsoft extreme and go with a handheld with a gpu powered dock. More ram and storage also built in

Perhaps even docks that may boost the overall system power far beyond the handheld itself. With different level of performance gpus available. At of course different price brackets

That’s seems a natural avenue to explore and they can have different gpu docks for different price brackets for different experiences based on cost and market targets. While not having to make all the kit themselves. More a overall plan and invite partners to manufacture and sell

This would also make the docking station far larger than what comes with today’s switch or handheld device

I can’t see them not trying to tap into more of the handheld market, while bring other oems into supporting their traditional console arena (again offering more choice to their target audience). Covering everything from a base level of power that is set a the ‘floor for performance’. Up to the various options within a gpu family

As they have found out. The competing with PlayStation for a home console is just not working out as well as Microsoft hoped originally. So fresh tactics are needed to stimulate new potential markets for game pass (think native games and streaming on the handheld)

 

[JerryinSoCal]

Largest technical leap ever

Yep, people should be used to xbox execs especially choosing their words very carefully.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Yep, people should be used to xbox execs especially choosing their words very carefully.

As do I usually

 

[Physiognomonics]

Largest technical leap? I guess it's not "the most powerful console" pitch anymore, thankfully.

That could mean so many different things like
- We are using zen 6 and RDNA6 tech... on a power limited handheld.
- We are using the most sophisticated tools in order to give our customers the best... Cloud gaming.

EDIT: if HeisenbergFX4 likes this post it doesn't mean I am right in any ways...

 

[Nelly_Nel_7.1.3]

At this point do anyone care or trust Microsoft to make a powerful console to rival Sony PS6? I rather just play Microsoft first party games on PS6, Switch 2, and my Steam Deck. Because that where those first party games are going to end up on those gaming platforms anyway.

 

[demigod]

Largest technical leap? I guess it's not "the most powerful console" pitch anymore, thankfully.

That could mean so many different things like
- We are using zen 6 and RDNA6 tech... on a power limited handheld.
- We are using the most sophisticated tools in order to give our customers the best... Cloud gaming.

EDIT: if HeisenbergFX4 likes this post it doesn't mean I am right in any ways...

Technical leap is most likely being able to play previous gen xbox games and also any PC games and their storefronts.

 

[Punished Miku]

Technical leap is most likely being able to play previous gen xbox games and also any PC games and their storefronts.

Can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree. That's really all I expected. If they can get that emulation layer into Windows, that is plenty. Then you can just get their version of the hardware, or any PC if you want something else. And it would be a pretty significant leap, even if it's mostly software.

Probably some AI uprez stuff as well.

 

[adamsapple]

Technical leap is most likely being able to play previous gen xbox games and also any PC games and their storefronts.

That would be awesome.

 

[King Dazzar]

I've still got my toe in Xbox's water with my XSX. So I hope they bring out something exciting. I really do. But my fear is, if its an expensive PC hybrid. As interesting as that might be. I'd have to get past my complete loss of trust and confidence in Xbox, to then go spending serious wonga...

 

[StreetsofBeige]

All I hope is that biggest tech leap doesn't mean a Xbox handheld on steroids.

 

[JerryinSoCal]

As do I usually

Yeah but you don't do it to intentionally mislead your customers lol

 

[JerryinSoCal]

Technical leap is most likely being able to play previous gen xbox games and also any PC games and their storefronts.

I'm sure it's more about AI etc than raw power.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Largest technical leap? I guess it's not "the most powerful console" pitch anymore, thankfully.

That could mean so many different things like
- We are using zen 6 and RDNA6 tech... on a power limited handheld.
- We are using the most sophisticated tools in order to give our customers the best... Cloud gaming.

EDIT: if HeisenbergFX4 likes this post it doesn't mean I am right in any ways...

Unlikely its Zen 6 as of about a year ago anyhow

 

[adamsapple]

Unlikely its Zen 6 as of about a year ago anyhow

If PS5/SX are used as reference, Zen 2 released in 2019, PS5/SX had it in 2020.

Zen 5 released this August, if anything is coming in the next year to 18 months, odds on that will be it.

 

[Kazekage1981]

I have this intuition and gut feeling that MS is on the verge of dismantling and destroying anything relevant to 'consoles' and 'video game tribalism' and focusing more on their ecosystem. Not saying they are not making a shiny new hardware; it's just the business model and marketing is going to be nothing like what we have now.

 

[kevboard]

it seems to me, by using one of the new Strix Point mobile chips, Microsoft could release a Series S compatible handheld, that could maybe even use AI upscaling when connecting to a TV.

so why wait for next gen, when they could finally utilize the library that they and 3rd party devs already created for the Series S, to give that system some new shine!?

Xbox Series S Portable.
Xbox Series SP.

Microsoft has an upscaler that works with all games too. while yes, it does add input latency, as an option it could be beneficial, and the Strix Point APUs can run it.
so why wait for next gen with a handheld?

 

[Darsxx82]

Again confirmation by Sarah Bond of the arrival of new Xbox hardware in the TGS stream.

"Bring your games with you with future hardware"

Now all that remains is to know what it is about, the strategy and the date. From how they refer to it continuously, it is logical that the date is not very far away. 2026 is gaining strength.

 

[Punished Miku]

Again confirmation by Sarah Bond of the arrival of new Xbox hardware in the TGS stream.

"Bring your games with you with future hardware"

Now all that remains is to know what it is about, the strategy and the date. From how they refer to it continuously, it is logical that the date is not very far away. 2026 is gaining strength.

This is still the main thing. If they can make it open store, but you keep your library, it will be a god damned miracle for console owners.

 

[Darsxx82]

This is still the main thing. If they can make it open store, but you keep your library, it will be a god damned miracle for console owners.

The most interesting thing that draws attention again is that they don't use the word "console", they use the term "upcoming (Xbox) hardware" again

Possibly it has to do with the fact that it is an open platform and the term "console" is no longer adequate or ??

 

[adamsapple]

Again confirmation by Sarah Bond of the arrival of new Xbox hardware in the TGS stream.

"Bring your games with you with future hardware"

Now all that remains is to know what it is about, the strategy and the date. From how they refer to it continuously, it is logical that the date is not very far away. 2026 is gaining strength.

We might see a hint or two about this around the TGA time, maybe.

Let's see.

 

[Z O N E]

This is still the main thing. If they can make it open store, but you keep your library, it will be a god damned miracle for console owners.

Yeah, this is what would be amazing. Being able to play my Xbox library and PC library from my couch would be a godsend and if the handheld rumour is true, then being able to play all my library of games on that too whilst travelling... That would be so damn good.

 

[Darsxx82]

We might see a hint or two about this around the TGA time, maybe.

Let's see.

You don't continually mention the release of new hardware if it's a long way from being announced... TGA could be a place (it was where XSX was announced) but I see it as too hasty.

Among other things because if there is a change of vision, strategy or approach with respect to the traditional "console", explaining that would require an event of its own and genuine announcement. An Xbox Handheld, however, could expect it.

 

[Ashamam]

If Xbox had anything of substance to reveal about hardware they absolutely would have done it prior to the PS5 Pro preorders opening. The earliest you are seeing hardware release is holiday 2026 imo, and I"m still not convinced they can hit that early a date from when they pivoted.

 

[Little Chicken]

Chances are next Xbox and PS6 hardware are/are almost set in stone. Keep an eye on GitHub

 

[Kazekage1981]

any news on RDNA 5?

 

[GoldenEye98]

If Xbox had anything of substance to reveal about hardware they absolutely would have done it prior to the PS5 Pro preorders opening. The earliest you are seeing hardware release is holiday 2026 imo, and I"m still not convinced they can hit that early a date from when they pivoted.

I mean if it's releasing in holiday 2026 then the earliest you would probably see any reveal is late 2025, not now.

 

[adamsapple]

I mean if it's releasing in holiday 2026 then the earliest you would probably see any reveal is late 2025, not now.

Exactly. They already set precedent by announcing Series X at The Game Awards, a place like that is a lot more likelier than the TGS or Gamescom window.

But I digress, we'll find out in a couple of months if it happens again.

 

[GoldenEye98]

Exactly. They already set precedent by announcing Series X at The Game Awards, a place like that is a lot more likelier than the TGS or Gamescom window.

But I digress, we'll find out in a couple of months if it happens again.

More like 14 months away...

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

The most interesting thing that draws attention again is that they don't use the word "console", they use the term "upcoming (Xbox) hardware" again

Possibly it has to do with the fact that it is an open platform and the term "console" is no longer adequate or ??

Like I how usually put console in those same quotations when talking about what's next for Xbox

 

[GoldenEye98]

Like I how usually put console in those same quotations when talking about what's next for Xbox

I'm still very skeptical of doing a hybrid in the same way Steam machines/Steam OS is...

Feel like an traditional console with someone PC features(browser, office) is better imo.

They already do this on Series consoles. They have Chromium based Microsoft Edge browser with mouse and keyboard support.

 

[gooner4life_uk]

If they go PC Marketplaces then it won't be an Xbox, it will be a Surface Xbox Gaming line - but it won't be a traditional Xbox, it will be a PC, that runs PC games.

They won't drop the Console market entirely i'm sure.

 

[Darsxx82]

It's not yet known what MS's plans are for hardware (traditional console? or PC/hybrid or Handheld...) but it is clear that they are preparing to launch new gaming hardware.

They are following the hiring of new engineers in the Xbox hardware group and the aforementioned invitation to users to provide feedback on what they want the future of Xbox hardware to look like at Gamescom is now also extended to game developers and studios.

Exciting news from @Xbox Research!

We've relied on player feedback to help guide the future of Xbox, and we're now focusing on game developers to inform development of our tools & services.

Join us in shaping the future of game dev!

Learn more about how to get involved: https://developer.microsoft.com/gam...ch-is-shaping-the-future-of-game-development/

Perhaps most intriguingly, the program welcomes input from creators who aren't necessarily bringing their games to Xbox. Hendersen explains this open-door policy: "If you are making video games, we're interested in hearing from you. If you aren't on Xbox, we'd love to know why. And honestly, if you are using our competitor's products, you probably have a great perspective we could learn from!"

This strategy allows Xbox to gain fresh perspectives and avoid becoming an "echo chamber." As Hendersen puts it, "It's a bit like testing players who play games like yours – they are your target audience and you want to hear fresh perspectives because their expectations may differ from folks who are deep in your community."

Xbox's new research initiative is an attempt toward a forward-thinking approach to supporting game creators. By turning their attention to the people behind the games, the Research team aims to foster an environment where developers of all sizes and backgrounds can thrive, ultimately leading to better experiences for players worldwide

 

[MisterXDTV]

They won't drop the Console market entirely i'm sure.

It's the console market that dropped them....

What they decide to do or not to do is irrelevant at this point....

 

[Darsxx82]

It's the console market that dropped them....

What they decide to do or not to do is irrelevant at this point....

Extraordinary contribution to the thread

.....

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

I'm still very skeptical of doing a hybrid in the same way Steam machines/Steam OS is...

Feel like an traditional console with someone PC features(browser, office) is better imo.

They already do this on Series consoles. They have Chromium based Microsoft Edge browser with mouse and keyboard support.

At one point they fully wanted to embrace Steam and as I have said over a year ago now wanted to get their next gen machine out a good 2 years ahead of the PS6

Will it work for them? Dunno but I applaud them for trying something different

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

At one point they fully wanted to embrace Steam and as I have said over a year ago now wanted to get their next gen machine out a good 2 years ahead of the PS6

Will it work for them? Dunno but I applaud them for trying something different

Nintendo as a company is borderline hostile to the gaming community, but people still buy their games because they are THAT good. Customers scream, shout and complain about how evil Nintendo is, but their games are still purchased.

Microsoft's attempt to do everything BUT releasing high quality Xbox games, had been attempted for a decade or more now. it doesn't matter how "friendly" you are trying to be, if people don't want to buy what you are selling. All the alleged "love" for Xbox did not translate to actual sales.

 

[mckmas8808]

Nintendo as a company is borderline hostile to the gaming community, but people still buy their games because they are THAT good. Customers scream, shout and complain about how evil Nintendo is, but their games are still purchased.

Microsoft's attempt to do everything BUT releasing high quality Xbox games, had been attempted for a decade or more now. it doesn't matter how "friendly" you are trying to be, if people don't want to buy what you are selling. All the alleged "love" for Xbox did not translate to actual sales.

Hostile? Come on bro. Stop reading Twitter. Nintendo has been great to gamers (in their own way). Very great actually.

 

[Punished Miku]

Hostile? Come on bro. Stop reading Twitter. Nintendo has been great to gamers (in their own way). Very great actually.

Yes and no. No one else has their entire back catalog locked to a sub only with no ability to even purchase. Not even EA would dare.

 

[Darsxx82]

A new job offers (11 OCTOBER) for Xbox console hardware team.


Electrical Engineering

Search Jobs | Microsoft Careers

jobs.careers.microsoft.com

The Xbox console hardware team is seeking an entry level Electrical Engineer to own schematic design on key Xbox products. The candidate will possess the ability to collaborate closely with engineers across the team who work on many different electrical subsystems like memory, power, high-speed IO, low-speed IO, RF, SOCs, and mechanical design. This individual will work to gather design requirements, understand subsystem architectures, and integrate everything into one cohesive schematic design for a next-gen product.

 

[carsar]

del

 

[clarky]

Playing single player games (like Gof of war, silent hill) in that position is so ridiculous. When I've bought 27 1440p monitor, it was literally pathetic to play third person sp games such way.

Then don't? What are you talking about. Its 2024.

And how is some Asian dude RGB'd up to the eyeballs relevant to the thread?

 

[Darsxx82]

[RollingStone]- Xbox CEO P. Spencer again confirms the arrival of more Xbox consoles in the future as well as other gaming devices.

Xbox CEO Says There Will 'Definitely' Be Future Consoles

The executive tells Rolling Stone that cloud streaming is the priority, but so are handhelds and home consoles

www.rollingstone.com

"Definitely"

In regard to whether the company's emphasis on cloud streaming and anywhere devices means that the they'll cease developing new home consoles, Spencer had a definitive answer.

"We'll definitely do more consoles in the future, and other devices."

"We are trying to expand, 'What does an Xbox mean?' I want Xbox to be something 20 years from now," he said. "I think in order for Xbox to be vibrant, be successful, it needs to be about multiple pieces of hardware."

 

[Kazekage1981]

1)Out of curiosity, RDNA 5 is NOT going to be called RDNA 5, it's going to be UDNA. If the microarchitecture is going to be unified or pretty much the same, what will be the benefits of the unification in terms of computer power, especially if relying on server/cloud for potential future xbox console(s)?

2) AMD rumored soundwave, NVIDIA ARM based APU, and Qualcomm are coming out in the next 2-3 years, is MS along with those companies and game publishers working to convert native x86 to NATIVE arm? The emulation layer hogs up a lot of processing power if i am not mistaken. I am hoping for a mobile form factor that can be full ARM Windows PC, Mobile Phone (5G/Wifi7), Gaming device all in one. Im sick of Apple and Android and want a full windows ecosystem.

 

[Loxus]

1)Out of curiosity, RDNA 5 is NOT going to be called RDNA 5, it's going to be UDNA. If the microarchitecture is going to be unified or pretty much the same, what will be the benefits of the unification in terms of computer power, especially if relying on server/cloud for potential future xbox console(s)?

2) AMD rumored soundwave, NVIDIA ARM based APU, and Qualcomm are coming out in the next 2-3 years, is MS along with those companies and game publishers working to convert native x86 to NATIVE arm? The emulation layer hogs up a lot of processing power if i am not mistaken. I am hoping for a mobile form factor that can be full ARM Windows PC, Mobile Phone (5G/Wifi7), Gaming device all in one. Im sick of Apple and Android and want a full windows ecosystem.

There's not much info on UNDA right now, but the most concrete stuff on UNDA is in this article.

AMD announces unified UDNA GPU architecture — bringing RDNA and CDNA together to take on Nvidia's CUDA ecosystem
What precisely will UDNA change compared to the current RDNA and CDNA split? Huynh didn't go into a lot of detail, and obviously, there's still plenty of groundwork to be laid. But one clear potential pain point has been the lack of dedicated AI acceleration units in RDNA. Nvidia brought tensor cores to the entire RTX line starting in 2018. AMD only has limited AI acceleration in RDNA 3, basically accessing the FP16 units in a more optimized fashion via WMMA instructions, while RDNA 2 depends purely on the GPU shaders for such work.

Our assumption is that, at some point, AMD will bring full stack support for tensor operations to its GPUs with UDNA. CDNA has had such functional units since 2020, with increased throughput and number format support being added with CDNA 2 (2021) and CDNA 3 (2023). Given the preponderance of AI work being done on both data center and client GPUs these days, adding tensor support to client GPUs seems like a critical need.