Next-generation Xbox: What options will be available for budget-conscious gamers?

The community debates how the "premium" price announced by Sarah Bond will affect Microsoft's future console.

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Since Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, stated that the next generation will be a “very premium and high-end” experience, the community has been wondering about one specific thing: will there be an affordable option for those who cannot (or do not want to) pay for a console that costs over 800 or even 1000 euros?
Bond’s words, combined with the recent price increases in Xbox Series X, Game Pass, and devkits, have led many players to expect a more expensive generational transition than ever.

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In forums and social media, the debate has become intense in recent days. Some users believe that the era of affordable consoles, like the Xbox Series S, may have come to an end, while others think that Microsoft will opt for a more flexible strategy, where the cloud and devices associated with Windows will be the most affordable entry point to the Xbox ecosystem.

Towards a future without affordable consoles?

Several players suggest that the current “all-in-one Xbox” model may give way to different levels of access. For example, a high-end console (the successor to the Series X) alongside more affordable solutions based on Xbox Cloud Gaming or portable hardware, such as the current ROG Xbox Ally X. Others propose that the new generation could have three or four distinct models, covering everything from streaming gaming to the ultimate 4K experience with advanced ray tracing.

However, among the most repeated comments, one stands out: many players prefer to keep their current Series S or X and bet on the cloud as a low-cost alternative. Smart TVs with integrated apps, mobile devices, and HDMI sticks already allow access to the service without additional hardware, which could become the new “affordable console” for Xbox.

For now, everything points to the next generation seeking to diversify access rather than making it more affordable. If Microsoft’s new console is indeed aiming to be a high-end device close to 1000 euros, the most affordable option might not be a console, but a subscription.