‘Xbox neXt’ possibly spotted amid talks of no slight upgrades for Xbox One

It’s now unclear whether Xbox One can expect a refresh or slightly improved console sometime in the near future. Xbox head Phil Spencer had previously countered his statement about an upgraded and new Xbox One hardware by stating that the next progress for the console would be in “big numbers.”

This followed the big leak involving the alleged new PS4 being made into the PS4.5 or PS4K, capable of delivering games at 4K resolution. As for the Xbox One, Spencer feels that there is something in the current Xbox One that makes it a special console.

"What I'm saying is as hardware innovations happen we want to be able to embrace those in the console space," Spencer added. "And make those available and maybe not have to wait seven or eight years for things to happen."

However, Ars Technica suggests that it is still possible for Microsoft to release an Xbox One improved version in the near future—but one that may be an entirely different console with significant upgrades, and not a mere refresh.

Eurogamer suggests the same thing, stating that the upgrades that Spencer had hinted earlier can be a more powerful Xbox One in the same sense that Sony is trying to build for the PS4.5. Additionally, the additional upgrades for the latter is significant, considering that it is looking to add integral aspects of a new branch of gaming, which is the virtual reality aspect of PlayStation VR.

Taking into account a possibly more powerful processor, and it’s a pretty good and significant upgrade that may be worth an entire console altogether. Gaming analyst Michael Pachter had touched on this topic recently, stating that with the constant and fast evolution of the gaming industry. The introduction of VR alone had already put some in a frenzy of the new experience, with other VR devices HTC Vive and Oculus Rift currently focused rolling out units.

Amid all of these, however, one sighting does have a few fans confused at the end of it. Crave Online spotted a LinkedIn account for one of the visual design leads for Xbox. His profile had specified that his experience until now involves the Xbox One, Xbox SmartGlass, Xbox 360 and a notable Xbox neXt.

While this does not necessarily mean a new hardware per se, it bears an intriguing name “Xbox neXt,” one that could be a nod to an upgraded hardware. Again, none of this has been confirmed by Microsoft. And the fact stands that the company has even hinted that an Xbox One and a half may not be in the cards.

Nevertheless, in two months’ time, the biggest gaming event of the year, the E3 2016, will be held. This is the usual time for announcements to trickle in, so fans can look forward then for any possible announcements.