Massive Xbox-Bethesda Leaks: Xbox-Nintendo Merger, New Controller, Xbox Console Refresh

A massive leak from Microsoft Xbox's court document filings concerning the Xbox-Activision merger reveals some of the grander plans that the green brand has been working on. For one, it appears that Xbox boss Phil Spencer had been considering Nintendo and WB Games as a possible acquisition target, which seems to have raised quite a few eyebrows within the community. 

On the hardware side of things, it appears that Xbox is looking at 2028 as the end of the Series X/S console cycle, hinting at another line of consoles. Plus, it looks like Xbox fans are in for a console refresh next year with "Brooklin"

Upcoming Xbox Series Consoles, Microsoft's Interest in Nintendo, Xbox and Bethesda Games' Collaboration and More

Xbox Series Consoles Getting a Refresh in 2024

Microsoft plans to refresh their console designs after continuing with the same Xbox Series design for a long time. In 2024, the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Controller will get a newer design, where the Xbox Series X (codenamed Brooklin) will get an all-new circular design. The refresh line of consoles includes:

• Xbox Series X (codenamed Brooklin)
• Xbox Series S (codenamed Ellewood)
• Xbox Series X in XDL (codenamed Uther)
• Xbox Universal Controller (codenamed Sebile)
• Xbox Universal Controller in XDL (codenamed Igraine)

The consoles will get a newer physical look and better internals with Xbox Wireless 2 connectivity, BT 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6E radio. Upcoming Xbox Controllers will get better connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, precision haptic feedback, and VCA haptics double as speakers. The leak includes Xbox's NEXT GEN Cloud Hybrid Gaming plan in CT 2028. 

Xbox "Playing the Long Game" to acquire Nintendo

Over the past few years, Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, has been looking to strengthen their market position. One of his plans was to merge and acquire the Japanese video game company Nintendo. An email dated back in August 2020 was released by FTC where Phil Spencer talks about his plans. Phil says that he isn't planning to engage in a hostile action for the takeover and how they plan to acquire Nintendo's shares and play the long game. 

Release Dates of Xbox and Bethesda Games Upcoming Gaming Titles Leaked

In the recent leak, the release dates of several titles from Xbox and Bethesda Games were out. The games that are planned for FY24E are The Elder Scrolls VI, Project Kestrel: Expansion, Licensed IP Game, Fallout 3 Remaster, Elder Scrolls Online: Expansion, Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel, Dishonored 3 and DOOM Year Zero DLC. Thanks to the court documents, all the fans can understand Phil Spencer's mindset to strengthen Xbox's stance in the industry. Even though Microsoft is planning big for the future, it is uncertain how the execution will go and how Microsoft will tackle the colossal revelation in the community.