Microsofts Next Xbox: A Premium Gaming Hub Merging Console and PC Experiences

It seems that Microsoft is not just planning to launch a new Xbox, but an entire platform that will merge gaming on consoles and PCs. According to Windows Central, the upcoming Xbox will be a “premium” device featuring a full version of Windows and access to a vast library of games—from Halo and Forza to World of Warcraft and God of War.

Sources from Windows Central indicate that the new Xbox will share similarities with the Xbox Ally and Ally X devices, utilizing the Xbox Full Screen Experience interface. Essentially, this will function like SteamOS with a Big Picture mode, allowing gamers to switch to a full Windows environment and run any programs or launchers, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, GOG, and even applications like Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office.

However, the console will still feel like a familiar Xbox, maintaining its simple interface and settings. Users can comfortably stay within the Xbox ecosystem without interacting with Windows unless they choose to do so. If desired, they will be able to access the system to play games not available on Xbox, such as the PC versions of PlayStation titles like  The Last of Us Part I,  Ghost of Tsushima, and  Marvel’s Spider-Man. Players will finally be able to enjoy  God of War on Xbox!

Microsoft is actively refining Windows to ensure the new console operates perfectly with TVs and controllers. The company is finally bringing to life the long-standing concept of «Windows in the living room,» a vision that dates back to the first Xbox—now, after 25 years, it is becoming a reality.

Thanks to a new chip from AMD that has already received approval from Microsoft management, the console will be capable of running all games from the Xbox Series library, including titles from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. All of these games will run natively through the familiar Xbox launcher.

It is likely that developers will continue to support the current consoles for several more years, but they will gradually begin to release versions optimized specifically for the new generation.

Furthermore, according to Windows Central, Microsoft is developing solutions to eliminate common PC gaming issues, such as lengthy shader compilation. The company is also working to reduce the load that Windows places on hardware, improving gaming performance not only on Xbox but also on standard PCs.

If Windows Central is to be believed, Microsoft has not completely abandoned the idea of its own portable console. Currently, the company is focused on collaboration with ASUS. The Xbox Ally is essentially serving as a testing ground for the next generation of Xbox devices.

Reports suggest that Microsoft still intends to eventually release its own portable console. Xbox President Sarah Bond has hinted at the development of several proprietary Xbox devices in collaboration with AMD. What these devices will specifically entail remains unknown.

Jez Corden from Windows Central has speculated on how the new console format may affect existing Microsoft services. There is a possibility that if the next Xbox truly becomes a hybrid of console and PC, the company might reevaluate its subscription structures. Currently, PC Game Pass is cheaper than Game Pass Ultimate but still provides access to all releases, including Call of Duty. The question arises: which subscription model will owners of the new console opt for?

According to Corden’s sources, Microsoft might eliminate paid multiplayer on the new Xbox. This would make sense, as it’s hard to imagine a PC with paid access to online gaming—users would likely migrate to Steam. However, this remains speculative, and the final decision may differ.

The journalist also proposed that the PC Game Pass brand could be merged with the core Xbox Game Pass or eliminated entirely. This version is already barely noticeable on the service’s website, with new plans including some content for PC users. It appears that Microsoft is gradually blurring the lines between console and computer, though how this will be executed in practice is still uncertain.

It is speculated that the new generation of Xbox may be significantly more expensive than typical consoles. Xbox President Sarah Bond has already hinted that the device will deliver a «premium experience,» which likely means it will come at a higher price point.

Nonetheless, analysts believe that the new Xbox will still be cheaper than an equally powerful gaming PC. This could be aided by Microsoft‘s significant partnerships with AMD and other manufacturers, alongside the absence of a need to pay for a Windows license.

Additionally, the company may offset costs through its proprietary Xbox ecosystem. Even though the console will be open to third-party stores, most gamers will likely remain within the dedicated platform. Some of the most popular games, such as  Fortnite,  Roblox, and  Minecraft, are still unavailable on Steam, and it’s unlikely that they will ever be.

If predictions hold true, the new Xbox may be priced higher than the PlayStation 6 but could still be the most accessible gateway into PC gaming—providing powerful hardware and convenient out-of-the-box setup.

If all goes according to plan, the upcoming Xbox could become the most versatile gaming system in history—a device boasting the largest library of games available.

However, the risks are considerable: will Microsoft manage to make the interface simple enough not to alienate the console audience? Will the device be affordably priced? Can the Xbox withstand the pressures of “big Microsoft” without crumbling?

For now, these questions remain unanswered. What is certain is that the release of the new Xbox is scheduled for 2027, and as early as November, Microsoft, according to Jez Corden, will hold a new showcase to provide more details about the platform’s future.