Windows Central: Next-gen Xbox described as a Windows 11-based “gaming PC”
Perhaps the next most popular accessory for the next-gen Xbox will not be a controller, but a mouse. Older reports that Windows could become the backbone of the next Xbox are now starting to look more credible, based on what Windows Central is claiming.
The outlet reports that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox platform is being built around Windows, with a console-style interface on top. Windows Central describes the device as “essentially going to be a Windows 11 gaming PC,” while still supporting the existing Xbox console game library through backward compatibility.
I reported last year that the next-gen Xbox is essentially going to be a Windows 11 gaming PC, albeit with the capability to run existing Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and legacy backwards-compatible Xbox games. The new box will be capable of running practically anything Windows can throw at it, in essence, although by default, it will have a TV-first console-like interface.
— Jez Corden, Windows Central
This is not entirely new. Similar details were reported last year. Still, Windows Central sources have now reconfirmed the direction. It also aligns with Microsoft’s broader messaging around a more premium next-generation Xbox strategy .
AMD says Xbox SoC is ready for 2027
Recently AMD CEO Lisa Su said “Development of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC is progressing well to support a launch in 2027.” This chip is reportedly codenamed “Magnus”. Microsoft has not announced a release year. This reportedly took the Xbox team by surprise, because Microsoft has not announced anything about the new console yet. Some believe this was some kind of ‘power’ move from AMD to persuade Microsoft to launch the console as originally planned.
On the Microsoft side, the company previously confirmed an ongoing chip partnership with AMD for future Xbox hardware. In an Xbox Wire post, Xbox president Sarah Bond wrote Microsoft had “entered into a strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices.” If we read between the lines, it sounds like all options are on the table, including console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories.
Epic Games wants their storefront on Xbox
Epic Games recently indicated it wants the Epic Games Store available on the next Xbox hardware if Microsoft allows third-party storefronts on the platform. Epic reportedly said the store is ready to come to the next Xbox, and separate reporting tied to a recent interview with Epic Games Store leadership describes a goal of being there at launch, with work needed to meet Microsoft’s software and platform requirements.
Xbox handheld still considered, Xbox Everywhere approach
According to Windows Central, Microsoft is still pursuing a multi-device approach for its next Xbox platform. The report says Microsoft is working with OEM partners such as ASUS to deliver multiple Xbox-compatible device options at different price points, rather than relying on a single configuration.
On that point, I’m told Microsoft is also working with OEMs such as ASUS and the like to build a variety of options for next-gen Xbox gamers across a range of price points, like the two Xbox Ally models. Despite rumors to the contrary, I’m told Microsoft also still wants to make a first-party Xbox handheld eventually, too, even if the traditional next-gen Xbox console is the focus for now.
— Jez Corden, Windows Central
The same report says Microsoft has not dropped the idea of a first-party Xbox handheld, even if the traditional living-room console remains the main focus. As near-term proof points, Windows Central points to ongoing feature work on the ASUS-made Xbox Ally line, including an NPU-based automated highlights feature that the outlet says is currently being tested and targeted for March 2026.
Source: Windows Central
