This morning, Microsoft’s Major Nelson gave a quick preview of what we can expect from Microsoft and Xbox at gamescom this year. One line in particular stuck out to many. Nelson cites “all-new Xbox hardware and accessories” making an appearance at Inside Xbox during the show, and speculation is creeping that Microsoft might be getting ready to show off their next generation of hardware. This speculation seems to be wishful thinking as we come to the end of a console generation. Despite the pomp of gamescom as Europe’s premier gaming expo, it’s unlikely that this is actually where we’ll see Microsoft unveil the next generation. There are a number of reasons we’ll probably have to wait until at least  2019 (if not even longer) before we see new console hardware. It happens with the end of every console generation. Fans begin to theorize what we might see next and when we’ll see it. That speculation is fueled by excitement for how video games will advance, but often begins well ahead of when the console manufacturers are ready to reveal their latest creations. We’ve basically been talking about the PS5 and Xbox Two since the launch of the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, and we’ll jump at any hint that we might see the future now.
Factors of Plausibility
There are a couple of supporting factors for why people hold out hope that we’ll see the next generation soon. Microsoft is currently getting crushed by Sony pretty ba...