Rumors have been buzzing about the next-generation of consoles lately, especially after Microsoft posted a job listing that suggested it was hiring people to work on the next-generation Xbox. Now a new report, citing three separate sources, has revealed some details about the next Xbox, including its potential release window.

According to the report by Thurrott contributor Brad Sams, it's a "realistic possibility" that the next Xbox will release "within three years." However, Sams noted that Microsoft isn't in a hurry to replace the Xbox One X due that console's "significant" power advantage compared to the PS4 Pro, so anyone hoping to see the next Xbox release in 2019 shouldn't hold their breath.

Besides touching on the next Xbox's release date, Sams also said that the console will apparently be backward compatible. This shouldn't come as a big surprise to Xbox fans, as Microsoft has been pushing backward compatibility as a big feature of the Xbox One. In fact, Microsoft has added backward compatibility for games released on the original Xbox as well as the Xbox 360, so it makes sense that BC will be a priority for the Xbox One's successor as well.

Xbox E3 Presintation 2016

Besides a focus on backward compatibility, the next Xbox may also feature more cloud-gaming features. Sams suggested as much in his report, and Final Fantasy 15 director Hajime Tabata also believes that cloud gaming will be big on both the next Xbox as well as the PlayStation 5.

As for when fans will get official confirmation from Microsoft about the next Xbox and its features, that remains to be seen. A number of analysts have published reports about the next-generation of video game consoles, and many suggested that next-gen consoles won't launch until 2020 at the earliest. That would fit within Sams's "three years" timeline, and if accurate, could indicate new console reveals around the time of E3 2019 next year.

With the eighth generation of video gaming nearing its five year anniversary, it makes sense that development on the next-generation of consoles is ramping up. Official reveals are likely at least a year away if not longer, but anyone looking forward to the next Xbox and the PlayStation 5 should keep their eyes out for more information.

Source: Thurrott