Microsoft is planning a significant update to its Xbox, the biggest change in over two decades. Since the original Xbox debuted in 2001, the console has grown into a popular gaming hub with online communities, achievements, and many ways to play with others. Despite strong competition from PlayStation, Xbox has remained a major player in the gaming world. Microsoft is currently working on the next Xbox, and upcoming changes to its multiplayer features are expected to give it a distinct advantage.
According to WindowsCentral, Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console won’t require a paid subscription for online multiplayer. This is a big shift for Microsoft, as they’ve charged for online gaming through services like Xbox Live and Xbox Game Pass since the original Xbox launched in 2002. This news comes despite recent price increases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (up 50%) and Xbox consoles themselves. The report suggests the new Xbox aims to deliver a more personalized gaming experience, functioning less like a traditional console and more like a high-end gaming PC, allowing players to access their existing game collection.
The Next-Gen Xbox Lets You Keep All Of Your Games With Free Online Multiplayer Access
When the first Xbox came out, online gaming through Xbox Live wasn’t available yet, but it quickly became a key part of the Xbox experience for every console since. Players pay a monthly fee to access online services for buying games, downloadable content, and playing multiplayer games with others. While online gaming is now essential to modern gaming, Microsoft is considering a shift: they’re exploring a subscription service offering a selection of games on powerful PCs, all branded as Xbox. However, the details of this new approach are still unknown.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer suggests the ROG Xbox Ally offers a glimpse into the future of Xbox. He explains that Microsoft is looking at how devices like the Ally can connect to the Xbox platform and influence its development. The next Xbox will essentially be a computer running a special version of Windows designed for TVs, but it will still feel and operate like a traditional Xbox, likely with a similar interface to the Ally. This makes the handheld console a more appealing purchase for gamers anticipating the next generation of Xbox.
Keep playing the games you enjoy and connecting with your favorite gaming friends! The new ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X are now available.
— Xbox (@Xbox) October 16, 2025
Xbox has faced recent criticism because of job cuts and higher prices, leading some to believe the platform is failing. However, a new announcement suggests Xbox is still a strong contender. By making online multiplayer gaming free for everyone, Xbox is setting a new standard that Sony and Nintendo might have to follow. While the next Xbox console is expected to be expensive – potentially between $800 and $1200 – the removal of the annual online subscription fee (currently around $120) could balance out the cost over time.
Are you planning to get the new Xbox? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-10-27 20:20