The Xbox Series X and Series S have been the face of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem since their 2020 launch. But now, as subtle hints from the company begin to surface, it’s clear we’re entering the twilight of this generation. Don’t panic, though — your Series X isn’t about to become a paperweight. Instead, Microsoft is starting to look toward what’s next for the Xbox brand.
A Subtle Shift in Messaging
Carl Ledbetter, Partner Head of Design at Xbox, recently shared a reflective post on LinkedIn that set the gaming world abuzz.
“As we wrap up this journey with the Xbox Series X and Series S, the mission behind these consoles echoes everything I’ve learned over 30 years — to create technology that’s powerful, purposeful, and beautifully integrated into people’s lives,” Ledbetter wrote.
He continued:
“Xbox is about fun and playing games. The console, the controller, the headset — all of the devices become a reflection of the people who make them, but more importantly, of the people who choose to purchase and use them. These products matter to people.”
While the post doesn’t explicitly announce new hardware, the phrase “wrap up this journey” hints that the design phase for the Series X and S has run its course — and that Microsoft is now channeling its focus toward the next evolution of Xbox.
Why Now?
Historically, consoles have launched on a fairly predictable five- to seven-year cycle. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generations each lasted around seven years, a trend that continued with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. But in recent years, console generations have stretched longer, partly because games take more time to develop and studios increasingly rely on cross-platform tools.
Still, the timing makes sense. Designing chips and consoles is a process that takes years. Microsoft even confirmed in June that it’s partnering with AMD to “co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including future first-party consoles and cloud solutions.” That means next-gen hardware is very much in the works.
The State of Xbox Right Now
Despite its innovations — including Game Pass and robust cross-platform integration — Microsoft has faced an uphill battle this generation. Industry estimates suggest that Sony’s PlayStation 5 has sold nearly twice as many units as the Xbox Series X and S combined.
To counter this, Microsoft appears to be shifting strategy. The company is redefining what “Xbox” means, positioning it less as a single device and more as an ecosystem — spanning consoles, cloud gaming, PCs, and even smart TVs.
This could mean that, going forward, the importance of a single flagship console may diminish in favor of a more unified platform accessible across multiple devices.
Lessons from Sega?
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden recently compared Microsoft’s current crossroads to Sega’s situation in the early 2000s, when the company transitioned from hardware (the Dreamcast) to focusing solely on software and services.
While that doesn’t necessarily mean Xbox will abandon hardware altogether, it underscores a pivotal moment: Microsoft is exploring how to evolve without relying solely on console sales.
What “Wrapping Up” Really Means
For gamers, “wrapping up” doesn’t mean the Series X or Series S will stop being supported anytime soon. Microsoft’s cross-generational approach ensures that many upcoming titles will still run on the current generation of consoles.
From a design standpoint, though, the work on these consoles is complete. Now, Ledbetter and his team are almost certainly deep into designing next-gen Xbox hardware — a process that typically spans several years before hitting store shelves.
The Bottom Line
The Xbox Series X and S aren’t going anywhere in the immediate future, but it’s clear that a new era is on the horizon. Between Microsoft’s AMD partnership, ecosystem expansion, and subtle public hints, the groundwork for the next Xbox generation is already being laid.
Whether the future brings a traditional console successor, a streaming-focused device, or something entirely new, one thing is certain: Xbox as a brand is evolving — and gamers are along for the ride.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is quietly signaling the end of the Series X/S design cycle.
- Future consoles are in development, with AMD co-engineering new silicon.
- Xbox is expanding beyond hardware into a multi-platform ecosystem.
- Current-gen consoles will remain supported for years to come.
