Better graphics were a big selling point in the 2000s, but not so much nowadays (Microsoft)With Microsoft promising another huge leap in technology for the next gen Xbox, the creator of the original console argues chasing stronger hardware is the wrong move.The biggest question surrounding the eventual next gen hardware from Microsoft and Sony is what they can actually offer consumers, beyond simply being more powerful.The graphical improvement from Xbox One and PlayStation 4 was already a small one this generation and yet it still increased the amount of time needed to make a triple-A to untenable levels. Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden has argued that any further graphical and performance improvements will be so miniscule barely anyone will notice and hes not the only that thinks that.Seamus Blackley, the man credited for inventing the original Xbox, has expressed similar sentiments and doesnt appear to think too highly of how Microsoft has been handling the Xbox brand lately.Speaking with VideoGamer, Blackley said being the most powerful console around was a key selling point for the Xbox, when it released in 2001, since it needed something to position itself above its competitors the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube.It was just that was a story that really worked and that was relevant then because we were still sort of the nascent stages of graphics [sic], explained Blackley, adding how Microsoft was risking losing money on making the Xbox super powerful and banking on its games being awesome.Nowadays, though, Blackley thinks this narrative around being more powerful is not helpful today and its the games themselves that are far more important.Blackley points to the Nintendo Switch as the obvious example, highlighting how often Blackley keeps playing The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. How differently could things have gone if Blackley stayed at Microsoft? (YouTube)Blackley also doesnt agree with some of Microsofts business decisions since his departure in 2002: How they managed that brand and the story going forward is not my f***ing fault, and its not, you know, I would not have done things the same wayAlthough Microsoft appears to have recognised it cant compete with Sony anymore in terms of hardware, as evidenced by its willingness to bring first party titles to the PlayStation 5, it has promised to keep making new consoles.More TrendingHowever, its not clear what direction the next console will take and what the promise of the biggest technological leap ever in a generation actually means which taken at face value sounds like its continuing the narrative Blackley believes the company needs to drop.Since that quote doesnt actually mention graphics, there are theories that the next Xbox console will instead be heavily reliant on AI technology.Microsoft is certainly committed to this sort of tech, having just recently announced new AI development tools that, despite the companys assurances, seem likely to cause even more job losses in the industry.Microsoft has also talked about a Xbox handheld device although its not clear what that is either. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed prototypes have been built but hes also said the console is some way off, implying its not just a portable Xbox Series S. There are several other handheld gaming devices on the market so its no wonder Microsoft would want a piece of the pie (Valve/Microsoft/Metro)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy