

Thanks to the Xbox Showcase we now have had a glimpse into the future of Microsoft’s console and while there are plenty of games on the way, improved hardware seems unlikely.
In fairness, a new Xbox Series S was announced with larger storage, but that isn’t going to offer upgraded performance. We are rapidly approaching the expected midpoint of this console generation already and yet rumours of an upgraded Xbox are thin on the ground.
Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox spoke to Bloomberg after the showcase and although he admitted they are in “Third place” behind Sony and Nintendo, he seemed to rule out any new consoles claiming “Right now, we’re pretty set on the hardware we have.”
This may be a disappointment for Xbox fans, especially after one of the biggest exclusives of the year, Redfall, was such a disappointment. It seems like Microsoft is focusing on software instead with the 2021 purchase of Bethesda and the ongoing process to acquire Activision which could see it trump its rivals for exclusives.
Speaking of Sony, there has been no official confirmation of a PS5 Pro and last month's PlayStation Showcase didn’t mention it, but the rumours won’t go away and it seems if they did launch an improved console it would have the space to itself.
The PlayStation 5 has already sold over 38 million consoles and if left as the only console with a “Pro” variant it would make any cross-platform titles de-facto better on Sony’s system.
Why would Xbox not release a new console?
Remember that there are already two Xboxes. The Xbox Series X and its little brother the Series S. Developers already have to develop their games to work on two different specced consoles, perhaps the gap between the Series S and an Xbox Series X Pro (or whatever it would be called) is too much?
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Alternatively, Microsoft may genuinely not see a need for new hardware. They are already a clear third in the console race, perhaps they feel it is better to wait for the next generation, or that average players would not notice an incremental improvement. This console generation was off to a slow start with stock shortages stopping many from getting an Xbox or PlayStation initially, so perhaps it will be an extra long one. Whatever the reason, it seems Microsoft is definitely not in a rush to push out new hardware.

Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
I tested Sony's newest earbuds – the price pleasantly surprised me
Sony's WF-C710N do it all – and for not all your money
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
I swapped my PS5 Pro for a top-end Nvidia RTX 5070 rig – and I'm not sure I can go back
PC gaming has its claws back in me
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
3 best Xbox Series X/S games you've probably never heard of
There’s a lot more than Forza and Starfield to Xbox gaming, and we’ve picked out three absolute belters you may have missed
By Matt Tate
-
Xbox Series X/S storage space problems solved by a sneaky Xbox Game Pass update
You may never have to buy external storage again
By Rik Henderson
-
Sony World Photography Awards 2025 holds a mirror up to an artificial natural world
Zed Nelson's Anthropocene Illusion scores him this year's SWPA Photographer of the Year
By Mat Gallagher
-
One of the best villains in gaming is coming to Xbox Game Pass for free
All Game Pass subscribers are getting one of the best single-player shooters of the decade
By Rik Henderson
-
The 5 luxury PS5 Pro accessories I can't live without – How to upgrade your PlayStation in style
If you want a better experience for your PS5 Pro, you need these luxury upgrades
By Max Freeman-Mills
-
Sony drops a whole host of new Ult speakers, including some chunky units
The Ult lineup grows
By Max Freeman-Mills