The closing chapter of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S generation has arrived, and one of its primary designers shared some thoughts on their experiences during the journey.
Microsoft is experiencing a shift in its gaming strategy, leaning more towards publishing games rather than operating the platform. Subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass and popular titles such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft are significantly contributing to Microsoft’s gaming earnings compared to profits from providing services to third-parties. However, this revenue distribution may undergo changes as well.
Microsoft is collaborating with traditional PC manufacturers like Razer, Dell, Lenovo, and others to expand the Xbox brand beyond consoles, starting with the Xbox Ally handheld PC gaming device built in partnership with ASUS. There are rumors suggesting a potential launch of a more conventional “Xbox PC” by 2026 as well. If successful, Microsoft could establish itself as a leading player in a new gaming hardware licensing market, drawing inspiration from the Windows PC OEM model.
As for first-party hardware, Microsoft isn’t backing down. They are indeed working on a new Xbox console, built by themselves, which will feature AMD’s latest chips ensuring compatibility with the existing Xbox game library.
Reflecting on this remarkable milestone, I, as an observer, find myself looking back with Carl Ledbetter, a veteran Partner Head of Design for Xbox Devices, who recently marked his 30-year journey at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters. He shares insightful reflections about the path that lies ahead for Microsoft Gaming.
Ledbetter has shared a sequence of thoughts about his experience with hardware development at Microsoft, covering topics ranging from the Microsoft IntelliMouse to the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Picking just 30 products to showcase Microsoft’s three-decade journey of innovation isn’t simple,” Ledbetter elaborated. “Each product is like a page in a grand story. A tale woven together by dedicated teams and leaders, bound by a shared vision: to help people, spark delight, and bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds where individuals can accomplish more. These products serve as conversations, enticing users to discover, innovate, and connect in novel ways.
As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but echo Ledbetter’s admiration for the Xbox Series X|S platform, a hardware delivery that Microsoft seems to have outdone themselves with on paper. However, it’s been a bit challenging for this powerhouse to match the stride of its main competitor, the PlayStation 5, due to several factors. But in my opinion, the shortfall isn’t indicative of the hardware quality.
The Xbox Series X stands as an incredibly potent and sleek piece of technology, while the compactness of the Xbox Series S for its power is a shining testament to Ledbetter and his team’s skill.
Reflecting on our voyage with the Xbox Series X and Series S, it strikes me how perfectly these consoles embody a philosophy I’ve held for 30 years – developing technology that’s potent, meaningful, and seamlessly woven into everyday life. At its heart, Xbox is all about fun and immersing oneself in the world of gaming, as Ledbetter emphasized.
From the outset, our goal when creating the Xbox Series X was to build a console that offers unparalleled power, effortlessly blending into today’s contemporary living spaces. The design was influenced by the device’s own intricate engineering – a marvel of cooling and efficiency – resulting in the console’s recognizable vertical tower shape. It’s more than just a gaming system; it’s a stylish, monumental centerpiece, designed to exude silent authority without needing to draw attention.
In simpler terms, according to Ledbetter, the Xbox Series X was designed to harmoniously blend bold style with understated elegance, making it suitable for both being the focal point and blending in with minimalist decor. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S, as per Ledbetter, focuses more on efficiency and compactness.
The innovative design of this next-gen console is both lightweight and powerful, while maintaining accessibility. The strategic placement of the bold black circular vent on the clean white exterior showcases not only its functional cooling system but also serves as a striking visual symbol of the Series S’s commitment to blending function and aesthetics seamlessly.
“I am excited and inspired by what is ahead of us.”
In wrapping up his introduction, Ledbetter expressed that, even though his journey isn’t finished yet, he feels motivated and eager about what lies ahead for the devoted Xbox community.
It appears that Microsoft is presently focusing more on boosting their stock value and keeping up with technological advancements rather than prioritizing long-term customer satisfaction. This trend becomes increasingly apparent as Microsoft transforms into a company primarily focused on AI technology, using its significant cloud investments to calculate for the rapidly growing demand of computationally intense AI models.
For several years now, there have been many rumors circulating about Microsoft potentially abandoning its Xbox hardware platform, much like Sega and other console manufacturers did in the past. However, due to Microsoft’s collaboration with AMD for the upcoming Xbox, it seems highly unlikely that they will withdraw from the scene anytime soon. Yet, these speculation cycles continue unabated.
Over the past few years, Microsoft has halted several Xbox hardware projects. These include a mid-generation update for the Xbox Series X|S, which was postponed, as well as the cloud-focused Hobart mini console and the development of Microsoft’s initial handheld Xbox device.
Previously responsible for Microsoft’s Windows Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) initiatives, Roanne Sones now serves as the head of Xbox hardware. This background in OEM, particularly considering the connections between Xbox Ally and Xbox Meta Quest, offers a glimpse into Microsoft’s approach towards hardware development.
Microsoft’s industrial design hardware team, which includes experienced professionals like Carl Ledbetter, remained largely unaffected during the recent round of layoffs. This team is currently working in state-of-the-art labs, refining designs for headsets, controllers, and even consoles. This suggests that Microsoft’s gaming division, known as Team Green, continues to be a force to reckon with in the industry.
Is there likely to be an audience for it when we eventually launch, given the rapid pace of technological change? However, with Ledbetter and their team leading the project, I have no doubt that it will be yet another outstanding piece of hardware they deliver.
Whether or not Microsoft corporate supports it properly will be another story entirely …
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2025-08-17 20:40