Microsoft is preparing for the next generation of Xbox, and according to various sources close to the company, the new console will adopt a more PC-like approach . This strategic shift would align Microsoft's platform with a hardware model that would facilitate the development and optimization of video games without the need for traditional development kits.
Journalist and insider Jez Corden, known for his reliable Microsoft-related news, revealed in a recent episode of The Xbox Two podcast that the next Xbox system will not be a traditional console , but rather a PC-based device designed to easily connect to televisions. According to him, this device will run on a Windows platform , allowing developers to work on games without requiring specific development kits.
An Xbox without traditional development kits
Despite rumors about development kits being distributed to studios, Corden denies this information, stating that, so far, developers have only received technical specifications for the console's hardware . This would allow studios to optimize their games for the new Xbox without needing a physical testing device. The shift towards a PC-centric approach could also facilitate the release of more games within the Xbox ecosystem.
Using Windows as a base would greatly facilitate game portability and compatibility with other platforms. The idea is that development studios could work directly on PCs with predefined technical specifications , eliminating the need for a traditional development kit and simplifying the porting process.
The latest Xbox Two ep. is now live on audio!
354: New Xbox 2026? Gears of War Collection, Monster Hunter Wilds, Split Fiction
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A launch planned for 2027
Another key point from the leaked information is that the new Xbox won't arrive before 2027. Some rumors suggested the console would appear as early as 2026, but according to Corden, this isn't accurate. Microsoft's push to evolve towards a PC ecosystem could justify this delay, as the company would need time to ensure that the integration with Windows and the hardware is fully optimized. In fact, there are expectations that this new product will compete differently with other devices, as mentioned in rumors surrounding the PS6 launch.
This change of direction would mean that Xbox games could benefit from greater compatibility with the PC ecosystem, possibly including access to platforms like Steam. Microsoft has been moving in this direction for some time with initiatives like Xbox Play Anywhere , which facilitates cross-purchases between Xbox and PC, and this new step would further solidify that strategy.
However, this new approach also raises some concerns within the community. The transition between console generations could become more complex if games remain backward compatible with previous models like the Xbox One or Series X/S. Furthermore, the lack of a defined hardware identity could lead to the next Xbox competing directly with gaming PCs rather than other consoles.
Despite these uncertainties, what does seem clear is that Microsoft is looking to redefine the traditional console concept with its next system. With a release date set for 2027 and a focus more on PC-like flexibility, the new Xbox could represent a significant shift in how gamers interact with video games in the coming years.