Microsoft has started hiring for future Xbox hardware, leading some to believe that the move to the next generation of Xbox is well and truly on. It’s been something of a strange generation for Microsoft’s console franchise, as the Xbox One has been part of the fastest-selling console generation in history yet has still been falling short of sales expectations in comparison to Sony’s PS4.

As such, it’s no surprise to see that Microsoft has been stretching its legs from a hardware perspective. In the middle of this generation, the company released the Xbox One X, which brought some considerable firepower to the console fight through some of the most powerful hardware on the market. However, there was always going to be another Xbox on the way, even with the Xbox One X giving its predecessor a lease of life.

It turns out that Xbox fans now have the clearest indication yet that the next generation is coming. Microsoft has put out a call for a Senior Electrical Engineer over on its careers site, with a focus on DRAM Memory, and the job listing itself points towards a focus on future hardware development for the Xbox brand. “The successful candidate will be the primary technical focal point for existing and leading-edge memory technologies on currently shipping and future Xbox design projects,” states the listing.


The specifics of what the job will entail also suggests a focus on a serious Xbox upgrade. “We are seeking a qualified candidate for a Senior Engineer to lead the DRAM solutions for the Xbox console hardware development team,” states the job post.”DRAM solutions include DDR3, GDDR5, GDDR6 and future DRAM technologies.” It’s this mention of GDDR6 and future DRAM technologies that is of particular interest – a step up from the Xbox One X’s GDDR5 memory.

It could be good timing for Microsoft as well. Undoubtedly the company has been working on new hardware for some time, but timeframes have now been set for the next generation, with the PS5 due to arrive in 2020 at the earliest according to reports. If this hire is for the next Xbox, then Microsoft will no doubt be looking to get something out at generally the same time as its main competitor.

Of course, it’s not just hardware that makes a new console successful – something that Microsoft has learned all too well this generation. The huge critical reception for God of War has left people asking where Microsoft’s big exclusives are, and it’s fair to say that the lack of stand-out exclusive titles has hurt both the Xbox One and the Xbox One X. However, should Microsoft change this with its next console then the company could get back to that top spot.