Microsoft is in a transitional phase with its Xbox strategy. On one hand, the company just launched refreshed 2024 Xbox Series S and Series X models with upgraded storage and new designs. On the other, all signs point to a true next-gen Xbox console in 2027, designed to be a massive leap forward—more like a PC in your living room than a traditional console.
If you’re wondering whether to buy now or hold off, here’s everything you need to know.
Next-Gen Xbox (2027) — What We Know So Far
1. Release Timeline
Microsoft has confirmed that work on its next-generation Xbox hardware is fully underway, with internal greenlights reaching all the way up to CEO Satya Nadella. Developers don’t yet have early devkits, but insiders like Jez Corden (Windows Central) say the target release window is 2027, not earlier.
2. Hardware & Performance
Unlike the 2024 refresh, the 2027 console is expected to be a true generational jump. Reports suggest it will use AMD’s RDNA 5 GPU and Zen 6 CPU—potentially delivering 4K gaming at 120fps with cutting-edge ray tracing, AI-driven upscaling, and faster-than-ever load times.
Importantly, Microsoft is designing the console with a PC-like architecture, making it more seamless to play across console, Windows PCs, and the cloud.
3. Ecosystem & Compatibility
One of the boldest moves: the next Xbox will support multiple game storefronts. That means beyond Microsoft’s store, players could install games from Steam, GOG, or Epic Games Store.
As with current systems, backward compatibility remains a priority. Expect support for the entire Xbox library—from original Xbox titles through Series X|S—ensuring your digital collection carries forward.
4. Cloud and AI Integration
Microsoft’s vision isn’t just about raw hardware power. The next Xbox will reportedly integrate hybrid computing, blending your local console with cloud-based resources for more dynamic game worlds.
AI will also play a central role. Features like neural rendering and AMD-backed AI processing could make games look sharper and run smoother while reducing the hardware burden on developers.
Xbox 2024 Refresh Models — What’s New Right Now
While the true generational leap won’t happen until 2027, Microsoft has refreshed its current lineup for Holiday 2024. Here’s what’s changed:
- Xbox Series S (2024): Now ships with 1TB storage (up from 512GB).
- Xbox Series X (Digital, 2024): A 1TB model without a disc drive, aimed at all-digital gamers.
- Xbox Series X (2TB, 2024): Doubles storage capacity, ideal for players with large AAA libraries.
- New Designs: Updated finishes like Robot White and Galaxy Black give the consoles a sleeker look.
Performance-wise? Nothing changes. The CPU, GPU, and RAM are identical to the original Series X and S, meaning you’ll get the same gaming experience—just with more room for massive titles like Call of Duty or Starfield.
Should You Buy an Xbox Now or Wait?
This is the key question for many gamers.
- Buy Now if you want immediate access to Starfield, Forza Motorsport, or upcoming releases without delay. The Series X is already extremely powerful, and Microsoft has promised years of support for current hardware.
- Consider Waiting if you’re short on storage and want the newer 1TB or 2TB models launching in late 2024.
- Long-Term Planners may want to hold out for the true next-gen console in 2027, but that’s three years away—meaning years of missed games if you skip the Series X in the meantime.
Key Takeaways
- 2024 refresh = more storage + new designs (but no performance jump).
- 2027 next-gen = new architecture, AI-driven graphics, hybrid cloud, multi-store support.
- Backward compatibility remains a cornerstone, so your games and Game Pass library carry forward.
- Buying a Series X now is still a smart choice if you don’t want to wait until 2027.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s Xbox strategy is becoming clearer: mid-gen refreshes keep the Series X|S relevant, while the 2027 Xbox aims to merge console, PC, and cloud into a unified ecosystem.
For now, the Series X remains one of the most powerful consoles on the market. But by 2027, the definition of a console may change entirely—shaped by AI, cloud power, and PC integration.
Comparing the New Xbox 2024 to the Series X
The upcoming Xbox models offer more storage and design changes but keep the same gaming performance as current systems. Price differences and storage needs will likely determine which console makes the most sense for different buyers.
Expected Features and Differences of the New Xbox 2024
Microsoft plans to release three new Xbox models in 2024. The updated Xbox Series S will have 1TB of storage instead of 512GB. The Xbox Series X gets two new versions: a 1TB digital model without a disc drive and a 2TB model with more storage space.
Storage upgrades are the main improvement. Current Xbox Series S owners often run out of space quickly with just 512GB. The new 1TB version fixes this problem.
The digital Xbox Series X removes the disc drive to cut costs. This model targets gamers who only buy digital games. Physical game collectors should stick with disc-based models.
Design changes include new color options. The Series S comes in Robot White, while some Series X models get Galaxy Black finishes. These are mostly visual updates.
The processors and graphics chips stay the same across all models. Games will run identically on new and current Xbox consoles. Microsoft focused on storage and design rather than performance upgrades.
Performance and Hardware Comparison
All Xbox models use identical internal hardware for gaming performance. The Xbox Series X delivers 12 teraflops of graphics power and supports 4K gaming at 120fps. This stays the same in 2024 models.
The custom AMD processor runs at 3.8 GHz across all versions. RAM remains at 16GB of GDDR6 memory. Load times and Quick Resume features work the same way on new and current models.
Storage speed matches between models since they all use custom NVMe SSDs. The difference is capacity, not performance. Games load equally fast on 1TB and 2TB versions.
Heat management and power consumption remain unchanged. The 2024 models use the same cooling systems and power requirements as current Xbox consoles.
Backward compatibility features work identically. Enhanced Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games run the same way on all Series X models.
Game Pass and Game Library Compatibility
Xbox Game Pass works exactly the same on all console versions. Subscribers get access to hundreds of games regardless of which Xbox model they choose. New releases appear on Game Pass simultaneously across all systems.
Current Xbox games run identically on 2024 models. Developers create games for the Xbox Series platform, not specific storage configurations. Performance stays consistent between 1TB and 2TB models.
Cloud gaming features work the same way. Players can stream Game Pass games to phones, tablets, and other devices using any Xbox console as their home system.
Smart Delivery ensures gamers get the best version of games automatically. This feature works on all Xbox Series consoles without differences between storage sizes.
Digital and physical game libraries transfer completely to new models. The only exception is the digital-only Series X, which cannot play disc-based games.
Pricing, Availability, and Value Proposition
Expected pricing puts the 1TB Xbox Series S around $350. The digital 1TB Series X should cost $450-500. The 2TB Series X will likely reach $550-600.
Current Xbox Series X consoles may drop in price when new models launch. This creates potential savings for buyers willing to accept 1TB storage limits.
Value depends on storage needs. Gamers who install many large games benefit from 2TB models. Casual players with smaller libraries can save money with 1TB versions.
The digital Series X offers the lowest entry price for full Xbox Series X performance. Players who never buy physical games get the same gaming experience for less money.
Launch timing affects availability. New models arrive during holiday 2024, but supply may be limited initially. Current Xbox consoles stay available with better stock levels.
Current and Upcoming Xbox Games
All Xbox games work on current and upcoming console models. Major releases like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and future titles run identically across storage configurations.
AAA games increasingly require large storage space. Call of Duty games often exceed 100GB. The 2TB Xbox Series X handles more of these games simultaneously without deletions.
Current Xbox owners can play new releases immediately. Waiting for 2024 models means missing months of gaming time with upcoming releases.
Xbox exclusives launch on Game Pass day one. This reduces the need for large storage since players can download and remove games freely with subscriptions.
Third-party games work the same way regardless of console choice. Publishers optimize for the Xbox Series platform rather than specific models.
Backward Compatibility and AAA Game Experience
Backward compatibility works identically on all Xbox Series consoles. Enhanced Xbox One games, Xbox 360 classics, and original Xbox titles run the same way across models.
Performance improvements for older games stay consistent. Auto HDR, improved loading times, and higher frame rates work on current and 2024 Xbox consoles equally.
Large AAA games benefit from extra storage space. Modern titles like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2 consume significant storage. The 2TB model reduces management hassles.
Quick Resume functionality works the same way. Players can switch between multiple games instantly regardless of storage size, though larger drives hold more suspended games.
Enhanced backward compatible games receive the same visual upgrades across all models. Storage capacity does not affect these improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft plans to release three updated Xbox models in 2024 with more storage space but similar performance to current consoles. The new versions won’t offer major gaming improvements over the Series X that’s available now.
What improvements can I expect from the new 2024 Xbox compared to the Series X?
The 2024 Xbox models focus on storage upgrades rather than performance boosts. The new Xbox Series S jumps from 512GB to 1TB of storage space.
Microsoft will offer a 2TB Xbox Series X model alongside a 1TB digital version. These consoles use the same CPU and GPU as current models.
The main changes include new color options like Robot White and Galaxy Black. Players won’t see faster load times or better graphics compared to the current Series X.
Games will run the same way on both the current and 2024 models. The extra storage means more games can be installed at once.
How does the Xbox Series X stack up against the latest PlayStation model?
The Xbox Series X delivers 12 teraflops of graphics power with 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second. It includes a custom AMD Zen 2 processor and 16GB of RAM.
Both consoles offer similar performance levels for most games. The Series X has Game Pass, which gives access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee.
PlayStation has some exclusive games that don’t appear on Xbox. Xbox focuses more on backwards compatibility with older games.
The Series X includes a disc drive for physical games and movies. Both systems support cloud gaming features.
Will there be a significant performance difference between the Xbox Series X and the upcoming Xbox release?
No major performance differences will exist between the current Series X and 2024 models. Microsoft keeps the same processor and graphics chip in all versions.
Games load at the same speed on both consoles. Frame rates and visual quality remain identical across models.
The 2024 versions might get small software improvements over time. These updates will likely come to current Series X owners too.
Storage space is the only real difference between models. More storage doesn’t change how games actually run.
Considering the current game library, should I invest in an Xbox Series X or wait for the next-gen console?
The Series X plays all current Xbox games plus thousands of older titles. It supports Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games through backwards compatibility.
Game Pass offers immediate access to new first-party titles on release day. The service includes games from major studios like Bethesda.
Many older games get visual upgrades on Series X. These include higher resolutions and better frame rates than previous consoles.
The 2024 models will play the exact same games as current consoles. Waiting doesn’t unlock any new gaming experiences.
Are there any announced exclusive titles for the new 2024 Xbox that I can’t play on the Series X?
Microsoft has not announced any games exclusive to the 2024 Xbox models. All new games will work on current Series X and Series S consoles.
The company focuses on making games available across all Xbox systems. This approach helps more players access their favorite titles.
Game developers create titles for the existing Xbox install base. Making games exclusive to newer models would limit their audience.
Future software updates might add features to all Xbox consoles. These improvements typically reach current owners alongside new buyers.
How often does Microsoft typically release a new console generation, and how does this pattern affect my purchasing decision?
Microsoft released the Xbox Series X in November 2020. Console generations typically last six to eight years before major replacements.
The 2024 releases are mid-generation updates, not new console generations. True next-generation Xbox consoles likely won’t arrive until 2027 or 2028.
Current Series X consoles will receive game support for many years ahead. Microsoft continues updating older systems even after new launches.
Players who buy now get several years of use before the next major upgrade. Waiting for true next-generation hardware means missing years of gaming.
