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Microsoft’s Phil Spencer isn’t enamoured with the idea of releasing an upgraded Xbox One mid-generation, with the Xbox chief explaining he's not a fan of "Xbox One and a half."

Chris Kerr, News Editor

April 4, 2016

1 Min Read

Microsoft’s Phil Spencer isn’t enamored with the idea of releasing an upgraded Xbox One mid-generation, with the Xbox chief explaining he's not a fan of "Xbox One and a half."

Recent rumors have suggested that both Microsoft and Sony are developing new, more powerful iterations of existing console hardware, with Spencer himself stating that Microsoft wants to "decouple its software platform from the hardware platform on which it runs."

Although Spencer was referring to the company’s efforts to make games playable across both PC and Xbox One, his statements implied that Microsoft was also keen to upgrade the Xbox One in a bid to extend the console's lifecycle and allow for backwards and forwards compatible gaming. 

However, speaking at Microsoft’s Build developer conference, Spencer has now distanced himself from those statements. 

"I’m not a big fan of Xbox One and a half. If we’re going to move forward, I want to move forward in big numbers," Spencer said during a roundtable discussion picked up by Game Informer.

"I don’t know anything about any of the rumors that are out there, but I can understand other teams’ motivations to do that. 

"For us, our box is doing well. It performs, it’s reliable, the servers are doing well. If we’re going to go forward with anything, like I said, I want it to be a really substantial change for people – an upgrade."

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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