Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft is partnering with AMD for the upcoming Xbox console, continuing their previous collaboration on the Xbox Series S|X.
2. The Xbox team is closely working with Windows, hinting at a simplified version of the operating system for the next console.
3. There are potential implications for third-party platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store joining the Xbox ecosystem.
4. Microsoft is exploring the idea of a first-party Xbox handheld, possibly inspired by the ROG Xbox Ally.
5. A Fall 2026 release is rumored for the next Xbox console, allowing it to establish itself before Sony’s PS6 launch in 2027.
Microsoft has shared some big news regarding the Xbox ecosystem. The upcoming Xbox console will be made in partnership with AMD. This isn’t really a shock, since the previous Xbox Series S|X SoC was also created by Team Red, along with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme that powers the ROG Xbox Ally.
Collaboration with Windows
Another important point is that the Xbox team is ‘collaborating closely with Windows.’ This suggests that the next console might run a simpler version of the operating system. The ROG Xbox Ally serves as a perfect testing platform because it operates in a power-limited setting with mobile chips, meaning it will need a more efficient Windows version.
Bringing Windows to Xbox is a major development as it could allow third-party platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store to join in. However, this all depends on Microsoft, which likely wouldn’t be thrilled about Steam cutting into its profits. The rumored backward compatibility could pose a challenge, but running older games shouldn’t be too hard to emulate.
Handheld Possibilities
Lastly, the phrase, “in your living room and in your hand,” subtly indicates that Microsoft hasn’t entirely abandoned the idea of a first-party Xbox handheld. Once again, the ROG Xbox Ally will serve as a model for this. A successor to the Ryzen Z2 Extreme seems like the most probable option, but there’s also the potential for an Arm-based handheld featuring an AMD Sound Wave chip or something similar.
This brings us to the burning question: When will the next Xbox console be released? Unverified rumors circulating online suggest a launch in Fall 2026. Announcing it this early means the console is likely close to being finished. Its silicon is probably nearing taping out, or it may have done so, likely using one of TSMC’s advanced nodes (maybe N3P?). This suggests a combination of Zen 5/Zen 5c and RDNA 4 components. Alternatively, Microsoft might take a page from the PS5 Pro and integrate some RDNA 5 technology into the Xbox SoC.
Future Outlook
A Fall 2026 launch would give the next Xbox some time to establish itself before Sony rolls out the PS6 in 2027. Naturally, all these dates are subject to change, and we are still quite early in the release timeline to draw any firm conclusions. Regardless, this should clarify any speculation about Xbox abandoning the console market to focus solely on cloud gaming and Game Pass.
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