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Yes. Microsoft announced on February 20, 2026, that Phil Spencer had decided to retire from the company and that Sarah Bond had decided to leave. The two departures were described differently: Spencer said he would stay in an advisory role through the summer to help with the handoff; Microsoft did not publish Bond’s exact final day or a specific reason for her decision. Asha Sharma was named to lead Microsoft’s gaming business, with Matt Booty taking a new content leadership role.
What Microsoft announced
Microsoft’s February 20 announcement confirmed two separate decisions. Spencer chose to retire from Microsoft. Bond decided to leave Microsoft “to begin a new chapter,” as Spencer put it. The statement did not say Bond was leaving on Spencer’s timetable or give her a detailed reason.
Spencer said he had discussed his retirement with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella the previous fall. He also said he would remain in an advisory role through the summer to support a smooth handoff. The announcement did not specify the final day of that advisory period. Microsoft’s announcement contains the executive messages and transition details.
Who is taking over Xbox?
Asha Sharma leads the business
Microsoft named Asha Sharma Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reporting to Nadella. An editor’s note added to the announcement on April 23 says Microsoft Gaming is now known as XBOX and Sharma’s title is CEO XBOX. The current XBOX leadership roster, checked October 8, 2026, lists her as Chief Executive Officer.
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#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Matt Booty leads content
The February announcement named Matt Booty Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Sharma. The current roster lists him as Chief Content Officer. The roster confirms the titles and names displayed when checked; it does not establish exact employment end dates for Spencer or Bond, and neither appears in its leadership lineup.
What is known about Sarah Bond’s departure?
The official announcement says Bond decided to leave Microsoft and publicly credits her work across platform strategy, Game Pass, cloud gaming, and hardware launches. It does not provide a specific reason for her decision or an exact final day. Claims about a motive or precise departure timing go beyond what Microsoft stated.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
How the departures relate to Xbox’s later reset
In June 2026, Sharma and Booty described a broad Xbox reset spanning hardware, content, platforms, services, and infrastructure. Their June 10 update reported more than 1 billion annual players and 72 billion hours across console, PC, mobile, and streaming, with exclusions noted in the post. They also said Microsoft had spent more than $20 billion over five years on content, platform, and hardware subsidy, excluding Activision Blizzard King. Those are company-reported figures, not independently verified measures here.
The June update also said console storage component prices were expected to be more than five times the level Microsoft paid two years earlier by the 2027 holiday planning horizon. That was a cost expectation stated in June 2026, not a general or timeless price figure.
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
A September 22 company update from Booty reported 268 role eliminations and described studio reorganizations and divestiture developments. These updates document later business changes, but they do not attribute the reset or the September actions to Spencer’s retirement or Bond’s departure. Their timing alone does not establish a causal link.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
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