The next generation of Xbox will launch on Windows: details of Microsoft's most risky project

New generation Xbox: what future devices look like

Microsoft is gradually shaping the concept of its next‑generation consoles. On Windows Central’s platform all known information about new Xbox devices has been compiled and some details of the company’s plans in the gaming industry have been revealed.

1. What do the new consoles promise?
- Gaming PCs based on Windows 11

According to media reports, the next‑gen Xbox will be a full PC running Windows 11. They will still support games for Xbox One, Series S and Series X, as well as older titles via backward compatibility.

- A wide range of launchable games

The consoles can function almost like a regular PC: run any Windows program, but the default interface will be geared toward a TV.

- Portable model – Xbox Ally

The device shows how future consoles will use a minimal set of processes over Windows, creating a “gamer” environment. Users can switch to full Windows mode if desired, similar to the Steam Deck.

2. Versatility and multitasking
The next‑gen Xbox will become a universal device capable of performing both work tasks and playing games:

- Official Xbox titles;
- PC games from digital stores (Steam, Epic Store, etc.).

However, it is still unknown when the first models will appear and how powerful they will be.

3. Microsoft’s internal steps
- Confirmation from Sarah Bond

The Xbox chairman announced work on new consoles and mentioned a long‑standing partnership with AMD, under which joint solutions are being developed.

- Words from Lisa Su (AMD)

At a recent investor meeting, the AMD CEO hinted at timelines: “The development of Microsoft’s next‑gen Xbox based on a semi‑custom AMD chip is going well and is aimed for launch in 2027.”

- Processor code name

The processor codenamed Magnus is already under development, but the final device name has not yet been decided.

4. Why an exact schedule is unknown
Microsoft has not set a release date for 2027 yet. This is due to the need to optimize Windows 11 for a console environment and other technical factors. The Windows and Xbox dev teams are working closely together to ensure the best user experience, so a strict timeline is still missing.

5. Cost: only rumors so far
- Price uncertainty

As with Steam Machine or Xbox Ally, Microsoft has not announced prices for the new consoles yet. Economic uncertainty, rising component costs, geopolitical risks and supply issues make price forecasts unstable.

- Market problems

Rising RAM prices, US customs duties, TV manufacturers dropping support for 8K, and Nintendo’s recent announcement of a higher Switch 2 price add extra noise around availability questions.

6. Takeaways
- The next‑gen Xbox will combine full PC functionality with a gaming focus.
- Consoles can run almost all Windows games, including official Xbox titles and third‑party PC games.
- Development continues in partnership with AMD; the first model could launch around 2027, but the date remains conditional.
- Cost estimates are still undefined due to many external factors.

Stay tuned for updates – more concrete details on design, specs, and price of new Xbox devices will appear in the coming months.