While the PlayStation 5 Pro dominated hardware discussions this week, with leaked specs and investigations into the source of the leak, the Xbox camp has remained silent. Until now.
A new Xbox Dev Kit has been spotted passing certification by the National Radio Research Agency (NRRA) in South Korea, as reported by Xbox News for Koreans. The NRRA certifies all electronic devices to ensure they don't interfere with radio waves. This certification process is crucial, as Xbox has done previously for the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X|S.
The purpose of this new Dev Kit remains a mystery. It could be linked to any number of rumored projects, including the long-awaited Xbox handheld or a disc-less Xbox Series X variant.
An Xbox Series X Pro seems less likely, especially considering recent comments from Microsoft's Sarah Bond. During a business update, Bond hinted at a new device reveal this holiday season, separate from a next-generation console.
While some fans clamor for an Xbox Pro to handle demanding titles like the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 at 60 FPS, others are less enthusiastic. After all, with no confirmed PC release for GTA 6, the Xbox Pro would be the only console offering a high-performance option.
The author leans towards a next-generation console with entirely new technology. Features like the rumored PlayStation 5 Pro's AI upscaling (PSSR) and Microsoft's own potential utilization of RDNA 4.0, AI upscaling, and a brand new CPU are more exciting than a mid-generation refresh.
Open-world behemoths like GTA 6 and Starfield are notoriously CPU-intensive, and current processors like the AMD 3600 (powering the Xbox Series X|S, rumored PS5 Pro, and PS5) struggle to maintain smooth frame rates, especially in demanding areas. Digital Foundry's recent analysis of Starfield further emphasizes the need for a more robust CPU to handle these expansive worlds.
Ultimately, gamers crave a substantial reason to upgrade, especially at a potential price point of $500 or more. A true next-generation console with cutting-edge technology offers a more compelling proposition than a mid-cycle refresh. However, a handheld Xbox would also be a welcome addition!
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