Microsoft hints at hybrid PC experience for next-gen Xbox

Microsoft has partnered with AMD for next-gen Xbox chipsets, may run on Windows like the ROG Xbox Ally, support multiple digital stores including Steam and EA, and could launch in 2027 alongside Sony’s rumored PS6

Xbox is reportedly gearing up for a major shift in its gaming strategy. With the Game Pass already enabling players to enjoy Xbox titles on PC, and exclusive games increasingly going cross-platform, Microsoft appears to be exploring new ways to expand its gaming ecosystem. The recent launch of the ROG Xbox Ally Series, a collaboration with Asus, has further demonstrated the company’s willingness to innovate, introducing Xbox-branded handhelds with a dedicated gaming experience on Windows.

Next-gen console: A premium, high-performance experience

In a recent interview, Xbox president Sarah Bond provided insights into the next-generation console. When asked if the upcoming console might resemble a high-end gaming PC, Bond confirmed that players can expect a “very premium, very high-end curated experience.” She also hinted that elements from the ROG Xbox Ally would influence the new console’s design, stating, “You’re starting to see some of the thinking we have in this handheld, but I don’t want to give it all away.” The handheld currently offers a full-screen Xbox interface running on Windows, enabling games to run without background Windows processes, a feature that may inspire the next console’s architecture.

Bond further emphasized that Microsoft will prioritize performance, promising “the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation.” This comes as the current Xbox Series X and Series S continue to trail Sony’s PS5 in sales, indicating a strategic pivot for Microsoft.

Windows integration and expanded gaming ecosystem

Microsoft has also partnered with AMD to supply chipsets for the upcoming consoles, continuing the relationship that powers both the current Series X/S and the ROG Xbox Ally. There is speculation that the next Xbox could run on Windows, following the handheld model, with Bond noting that the company is working closely with the Windows team to make Windows the “number one platform for gaming.” The new console is expected to support multiple digital stores, including Steam, EA, and Epic Games, mirroring the ROG Xbox Ally’s versatility.

Industry insiders suggest that the next Xbox console could launch in 2027, potentially coinciding with Sony’s rumoured PS6 release, setting the stage for the next major generation in gaming.