The presentation materials, dated May 2022, also suggest Microsoft’s intent to support “Cloud hybrid games,” positioning the console as an immersive game and app platform. Intriguingly, there’s a reference to a “thin OS” tailored for sub-$99 “consumer or handheld devices,” hinting at a potential for handheld gaming experiences, possibly allowing games to be seamlessly played through Microsoft’s Cloud platform.
A roadmap outlined in a graphic within the presentation hints at a journey already in progress. Hardware design plans are slated to commence in 2024, with the first developer kits anticipated to arrive in 2027. The timeline foresees the production of the first hybrid cloud games starting from 2024 and continuing through to 2026, suggesting a comprehensive and ambitious approach to the future of gaming at Microsoft.
