Is Xbox Hardware Really Dead in Microsoft’s New Strategy?

It looks like the future of Xbox hardware is in jeopardy. Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy, which has been the talk of the gaming community, has one of the founding members of the Xbox team questioning the company’s trajectory. Laura Fryer, a veteran at Microsoft Game Studios, has gone so far as to claim that the Xbox hardware business is practically “dead.”

This revelation follows Microsoft’s recent announcements surrounding partnerships with external hardware companies like the ROG Xbox Ally and the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. The ROG Xbox Ally stands out; it’s a handheld that runs Windows and can pull games from various platforms, including Steam. This move seems to hint at a broader shift for Xbox, leading many to speculate on what the future holds.

In her latest YouTube video, Fryer critiques Microsoft’s new ‘Xbox Anywhere’ strategy. She describes the initiative as “just marketing” and argues that it lacks any real substance. The ROG Xbox Ally, which she sees as a rebranded Asus portable PC, doesn’t seem to offer enough to excite traditional gamers.

Fryer’s passion for Xbox is palpable. She reflects on the value she helped create at Microsoft and expresses disappointment over what she perceives as its erosion. “I’m sad because it looks like Xbox has no desire to ship hardware anymore,” she states, suggesting that the company’s focus may increasingly shift toward services like Game Pass.

While Fryer acknowledges the value of Game Pass, she raises critical questions about Xbox’s long-term viability. What’s the plan to keep players engaged in the next 25 years? The excitement surrounding upcoming titles like Clockwork Revolution is noted, but she questions whether such releases will suffice to captivate audiences over time.

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and the buzz suggests that Microsoft has big announcements lined up. Fryer holds onto a glimmer of hope, wondering if the fog will clear around these plans. Will 2024 finally reveal Xbox’s vision, or will the concerns voiced by Fryer become a reality?

Meanwhile, as Microsoft embraces a multiplatform approach, releasing titles for both the PS5 and Xbox simultaneously, rumors swirl about their next-gen console. Microsoft has confirmed that a successor to the Xbox Series X and S is on the way. Yet, with their current strategies, there’s speculation that future devices may mirror the ROG Xbox Ally’s approach.

Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, assures fans that they are deeply invested in their hardware lineup, claiming that Microsoft is “working closely” with the Windows team to make it the dominant gaming platform. “At Xbox, our vision is for you to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want,” she affirms.

This evolving narrative surrounding Xbox hardware and services adds an intriguing layer to the gaming industry. As players await the upcoming announcements, all eyes will be on whether Microsoft can still innovate and inspire gamers beyond the confines of its hardware.