Tag: amd

  • AMD Zen 6 Leak: 7GHz Target and Moore’s Law Insights

    AMD Zen 6 Leak: 7GHz Target and Moore’s Law Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD is testing desktop CPUs, known as Olympic Ridge, that aim for speeds of 6.4 GHz, with a goal to exceed 7 GHz using the advanced N2X node technology.
    2. The transition to N2X represents a major upgrade from the current Zen 4 series, which is based on N4P, showcasing AMD’s commitment to progress in efficiency and clock speed.
    3. Most Zen 6 products, including APUs and EPYC processors, will likely use N2P or N3P processes, offering improved performance without reaching the same peak frequencies as Olympic Ridge.
    4. Laptop-class APUs like Medusa Halo are expected to achieve speeds of 6.2 to 6.5 GHz, indicating a 20% increase over current mobile processors.
    5. Achieving a 7 GHz Zen 6 desktop CPU would set a record for AMD and significantly impact the desktop performance competition.


    While this isn’t exactly breaking news, this article brings together trustworthy information from Moore’s Law Is Dead, a leaker known for its accuracy, and much of it aligns with what we have discussed earlier.

    AMD’s Bold Leap Forward

    Zen 6 represents one of AMD’s most daring advancements in recent times. Reports from Moore’s Law Is Dead indicate that the company is currently testing desktop CPUs that can reach speeds of 6.4 GHz, with the ultimate aim of exceeding “7 GHz.” These processors, known as Olympic Ridge, will utilize the N2X node, an upgraded version of TSMC’s 2 nm technology, signaling a major enhancement from the ongoing Zen 4 series based on N4P. The transition from N4P to N3P, then to N2P, and ultimately to N2X involves three complete node changes. To put this into perspective, AMD progressed from Zen+ (12 nm) to Zen 2 (7 nm) and subsequently to Zen 4 (5 nm), with each transition providing significant increases in efficiency and clock speed. If all goes as planned, Olympic Ridge could surpass the peak of 5.7 GHz seen in Zen 4 and might outperform Intel’s top Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs in single-threaded tasks.

    Variations in Product Lines

    Nonetheless, it’s crucial to understand that the 7 GHz target is specific to the desktop-class N2X variants. The majority of Zen 6 products—including the Medusa Point APU platform and Venice-class EPYC processors—will likely use the more established N2P or N3P processes. Although these components may not reach the same raw frequency as Olympic Ridge, they are still predicted to offer significant gains in efficiency and performance-per-watt. According to Moore’s Law Is Dead, AMD seems to be focusing its highest clock speeds on AM5 desktop SKUs, and might include a few select server variants. Meanwhile, laptop-class APUs like Medusa Halo are anticipated to reach speeds around 6.2 to 6.5 GHz, which would still represent a 20% increase over the current generation of mobile processors. Even though clock speed isn’t the sole factor in defining overall performance, AMD’s goal to surpass the 7 GHz threshold demonstrates its ambitious roadmap and readiness to embrace cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.

    Implications of Achieving 7 GHz

    Should AMD succeed, a 7 GHz Zen 6 desktop CPU would stand as the highest clocked x86 processor ever released by the company and could mark a significant milestone in the desktop performance race. While the final shipping frequencies remain uncertain, internal tests and sourcing imply that AMD is on course to achieve a substantial advancement with Olympic Ridge.

  • Zen 6 Desktop Chips Expected Late 2026 After APU and EPYC Launch

    Zen 6 Desktop Chips Expected Late 2026 After APU and EPYC Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD plans a staggered rollout for its Zen 6 family, starting with APUs and server components.
    2. High-end desktop models are expected to be released later, with the flagship N2X versions likely available by late 2026.
    3. Mainstream desktop CPUs based on the N2P may debut as early as August 2026.
    4. AMD prioritizes mobile and server platforms before introducing ultra-high-performance desktop components.
    5. The multi-node strategy will see different Zen 6 derivatives using N2P, N3P, and N2X based on market needs.


    AMD seems to have a plan for rolling out its Zen 6 family in a staggered manner, as mentioned by Moore’s Law Is Dead. The initial phase will include APUs and server components, with high-end desktop models coming later. Olympic Ridge, which utilizes the advanced N2X node, is slated to be the last part of this phased release. There’s a chance that some mainstream desktop CPUs based on the N2P could show up as early as August 2026, but the flagship N2X versions are likely to be available closer to the year’s end. AMD’s decision to focus first on APUs and EPYC chips indicates that they are prioritizing volume and mobile/server platforms before introducing ultra-high-performance desktop components. This plan fits well with AMD’s current multi-node strategy, where various Zen 6 derivatives will employ N2P, N3P, and N2X depending on the market segment and target TDP.

    Late 2026 Launch for Zen 6 Desktops

    If this report holds true, we could see Zen 6 desktop CPUs making their debut in late 2026. AMD is spacing out their releases to coincide with node readiness and the demand within different segments of the market. The deliberate approach highlights AMD’s strategy to ensure that they meet both production capabilities and consumer needs, rather than launching everything all at once.

    YouTube Insights

    The insights come from the YouTube channel, Moore’s Law Is Dead, which has been known for its accurate predictions and analyses. As the landscape of CPUs continues to evolve, AMD’s approach to the Zen 6 family could reshape their competitive edge in the market, setting the stage for future innovations.

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  • Mark Cerny: RDNA 5 Features PS6 Development Insights

    Mark Cerny: RDNA 5 Features PS6 Development Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. RDNA 5, AMD’s upcoming GPU architecture, includes features developed in collaboration with Sony for the PlayStation 6.
    2. Project Amethyst focuses on creating AI tools for gaming, including upscaling and frame generation, leveraging convolutional neural networks.
    3. FSR 4, AMD’s new temporal upscaler, will enhance graphics on current consoles and serve as a foundation for future updates like PSSR for PS5 Pro.
    4. Development efforts are streamlined to allow developers to improve games easily, with Sony’s quality assurance team significantly reducing model tuning time.
    5. Sony is preparing for a PS6 launch around 2027-2028, with ongoing collaboration with AMD to develop shared upscaling technologies and AI-centric hardware across devices.


    In a recent conversation, Mark Cerny, the hardware architect for PlayStation, disclosed that RDNA 5, which is AMD’s upcoming GPU architecture, has elements created in partnership with Sony for their next console, likely the PlayStation 6.

    Project Amethyst

    This confirmation aligns with Project Amethyst, a collaboration between AMD and Sony aimed at developing AI tools for gaming. Announced in late 2024, the initiative focuses on AI-driven techniques such as upscaling, ray tracing, and frame generation.

    New Technology Developments

    Both companies are working on convolutional neural network (CNN) models for image processing. These models are intended to operate on consoles, PCs, and in the cloud. They are similar to those used in computer vision, which are great at interpreting images, making them well-suited for upscaling and frame generation tasks.

    The first major outcome is FSR 4, which is AMD’s newest temporal upscaler. This will also form the basis for an upcoming PSSR update for the PS5 Pro.

    Streamlined Development

    Designed as a “drop-in replacement,” this system will let developers improve current games without needing to revamp their rendering processes, much like DLSS. Sony’s quality assurance team played a crucial role in speeding up Amethyst’s model tuning, reportedly reducing development time by several years. This effort is now influencing the graphics pipeline for the PS6 and feeding into AMD’s overall GPU strategy.

    Cerny mentioned that RDNA 5 is more than just a step forward for AMD; it incorporates “engineering work we’ve been doing for the next-gen console,” suggesting a long-term development plan that hints at a potential PS6 launch around 2027 or 2028.

    Future Hardware

    Reports indicate that Sony’s next-gen console SoC is already undergoing pre-silicon validation, featuring a Zen 5 CPU alongside a UDNA GPU, which is likely a successor to RDNA 5. There are also rumors of a handheld device with similar architecture in development, indicating a unified AI-centric rendering system across future PlayStation devices.

    While these details are unofficial, they reflect the increasing collaboration between Sony and AMD on shared upscaling technologies and hardware co-design.

    Sony seems to be planning to release PS5 Pro hardware to help studios get accustomed to ML-accelerated processes ahead of the AI-focused PlayStation 6 era. Cerny described this as preparatory work, saying, “What I’m trying to do here is prepare for the next generation of consoles. So my timeframe is multi-year.”

    Broader Implications

    Interestingly, AMD has also stated that their work with Sony is not proprietary, implying that some of this technology might benefit the wider gaming ecosystem, including both PC and console platforms.

    For those interested in a more detailed technical exploration of what these developments could mean for console graphics, Digital Foundry has discussed the evolving partnership between AMD and Sony in their latest episode. You can check out the video linked below.

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  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9995WX 96-Core Shows Strong Geekbench Boost

    AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9995WX 96-Core Shows Strong Geekbench Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX is based on the Zen 5 architecture and uses TSMC’s 4nm technology.
    2. It features 96 cores and 192 threads, with a TDP of 350 watts, offering a 22% boost in multi-core performance compared to the previous model.
    3. The CPU achieved a multi-core score of 30,170 and a single-core score of 2,800 on Geekbench, showing a 26% increase in multi-core and 9% increase in single-core performance from the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX.
    4. The price for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX is approximately $12,700 in the US and €12,300 in the EU.
    5. The CPU is positioned as AMD’s flagship model in the Shimada Peak series, reflecting a significant price increase.


    Thanks to a recent Geekbench listing that was found by VideoCardz, we now have some solid information about the performance gains offered by AMD’s newly announced Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX high-end desktop CPU, which is the top dog in the Shimada Peak series.

    Overview of the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX

    Before diving into the Geekbench 6 results, let’s recap what we know about the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX CPU. This processor is based on the Zen 5 architecture and is manufactured using TSMC’s 4nm technology. It features an impressive 96 cores and 192 threads, along with a TDP of 350 watts. AMD claims that there is a 22% boost in multi-core performance compared to the previous model, the Zen 4 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX.

    Performance Scores

    According to the Geekbench listing, the Threadripper PRO 9995WX achieved an impressive score of 30,170 points in the multi-core performance. However, its single-core score of 2,800, while quite good, doesn’t really blow anyone away. When you compare it to its older counterpart, which scored 23,913 in the same benchmark, the 9995WX shows a notable 26% increase. Nevertheless, the single-core score improvement is a more modest 9%.

    Price Tag

    VideoCardz also discovered several online listings for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX, indicating that this workstation CPU comes with a steep price of around $12,700 in the US and about €12,300 in the EU. Clearly, AMD’s flagship model in the Shimada Peak lineup is arriving with a significant price hike.

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  • AMD Raises CEO Lisa Su’s Pay to $33M, Still Less Than Nvidia’s

    AMD Raises CEO Lisa Su’s Pay to $33M, Still Less Than Nvidia’s

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has increased CEO Lisa Su’s compensation for the next fiscal year, with a total earnings estimate of $31 million, including a $33 million equity award.
    2. Su is the only AMD executive with a base salary over $1 million, currently set at $1.32 million, which is a slight increase from last year’s $1.26 million.
    3. All five executives at AMD will receive a base salary increase of 3% to 5% for the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting overall confidence in leadership.
    4. Su’s equity award consists of 75% performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) and 25% time-based stock options, converting on August 15.
    5. Despite the increase, Su’s compensation remains lower than Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s, who received nearly $49.9 million for fiscal year 2025, emphasizing competitive differences in the semiconductor industry.


    Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has decided to significantly increase the compensation for its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lisa Su, for the next fiscal year. On Wednesday, the semiconductor firm revealed that Su will be receiving an equity award valued at $33 million and her base salary will rise to $1.32 million, up from last year’s $1.26 million.

    Annual Compensation Details

    This announcement came as part of AMD’s yearly executive compensation report, which outlines the salary and incentive structures for its leadership team. The report states that Su’s total earnings for 2024 amounted to $31 million, which includes $21.7 million in stock awards and $6.2 million in other incentive-based awards.

    Su’s Unique Position

    Among the top executives at AMD, Su is the only one whose base salary surpasses $1 million. Her equity award is also the largest, highlighting her important role in leading AMD through a competitive semiconductor market. Chief Technology Officer Mark Papermaster follows, with a $10 million target-value equity award and a base salary of $870,000.

    All five executives listed in the filing will receive a base salary increase of 3% to 5% for the upcoming fiscal year. Su’s $33 million equity award is set to convert on August 15 into a mix of performance-based and time-based stock options: 75% will be performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs), with the remaining 25% as time-based stock options.

    Confidence in Leadership

    These changes in compensation reflect AMD’s trust in Su’s leadership as the firm continues investing in advanced chip designs while competing against major players like Intel and Nvidia.

    Nevertheless, Su’s new pay package is still significantly lower than that of her main industry competitor, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. For the fiscal year 2025, Nvidia reported that Huang’s total compensation reached nearly $49.9 million, an increase from $34.2 million the year before. Huang’s compensation includes a base salary of $1.5 million, a target cash bonus of $3 million, and an equity award that could be valued at up to $27.5 million, depending on performance. The increase in Huang’s pay package mirrors Nvidia’s impressive financial results in 2025, which saw revenues of $130.5 billion, an operating income of $86.8 billion, and a shareholder return of 384% over three years.

    Huang’s pay package underscores Nvidia’s leading role in the AI chip market and its position as one of the top tech companies worldwide.

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  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPU

    AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X: Fastest 64-Core Desktop CPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has launched the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 line, with the Threadripper 9980X being the latest model available since July 2025.
    2. The Threadripper 9980X achieved a benchmark score of 147,481, making it the fastest desktop processor among tested models.
    3. It features 64 cores, 128 threads, and clock speeds of 3.2 GHz (base) and 5.4 GHz (boost), along with a 256 MB L3 cache.
    4. The 9980X shows an 8.03% performance improvement over its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X, which scored 136,517 on PassMark.
    5. AMD’s Threadripper series continues to dominate the high-end desktop processor market with limited competition.


    Unsurprisingly, AMD has once again made a splash with its nearly legendary Threadripper series. Not too long ago, Team Red officially unveiled the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 line, with the latest high-end desktop (HEDT) chips set to be available starting in July 2025. Now that July has arrived, an early model has shown up on the well-known PassMark benchmark. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X achieved a remarkable score of 147,481 in the multithread test, making it the fastest desktop processor among 1,450 tested.

    AMD’s Multithreaded Power

    AMD has always excelled in multithreaded testing with its Ryzen line, and the Threadripper 9980X harnesses its 64 cores and 128 threads to breeze through the CPU Mark test suite. Officially, it has clock speeds of 3.2 GHz (base) and 5.4 GHz (boost), along with a substantial 256 MB L3 cache to enhance system performance. The PassMark benchmark site notes a typical TDP of 350 W, highlighting that there is a considerable margin for error since this is the first iteration of this specific enthusiast-level Shimada Peak Threadripper to emerge thus far.

    Generational Upgrades

    When it comes to generational advancements, the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a successor to the Ryzen Threadripper 7980X (which can be found on Amazon), launched in 2023 and also featuring 64 cores. The previous CPU scored 136,517 on PassMark based on 74 samples, so the Zen 5-based model holds a respectable +8.03% advantage over its Zen 4-based forerunner. Given the lack of competition in this niche market, Team Red might think that huge improvements from one generation to the next aren’t really necessary in this case.

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  • Intel’s Server CPU Market Share Drops to 62%, AMD Gains Ground

    Intel’s Server CPU Market Share Drops to 62%, AMD Gains Ground

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s market share in the server CPU market has grown to around 33%, while Intel’s has declined to about 62%.
    2. AMD’s rise began with its Zen architecture, increasing its market share from 10% in 2020 to over 20% in 2021 and 2022, as Intel faced delays with its Sapphire Rapids launch.
    3. Future projections suggest AMD’s revenue market share could reach 36% by 2025, while Intel’s may drop to around 55%.
    4. By 2027, AMD might achieve a 40% market share, with Intel expected to fall below 50%, and ARM processors gaining traction.
    5. The shifts in market share reflect revenue rather than volume, with AMD focusing on high-end products and Intel leading in budget-friendly options.


    Intel’s long-time stronghold in the server processor market is slipping faster than ever, as AMD continues to grow rapidly with its EPYC CPUs, and ARM-based solutions are becoming more popular among businesses. Recent information from top market research companies shows that AMD has not only overtaken Intel in server processor revenue by the end of 2024, but is also likely to keep closing the gap in the years to come.

    AMD’s Growing Market Share

    At present, AMD commands around 33% of the server CPU market, and this figure is on the rise. On the flip side, Intel’s share has fallen to about 62%. This is a stark contrast to 2017, when Intel nearly had a monopoly on the market, with AMD and ARM processors barely making a mark.

    AMD’s ascent began with its Zen architecture. Its market share jumped from roughly 10% in 2020 to more than 20% in both 2021 and 2022, while Intel faced major delays and problems with the launch of Sapphire Rapids.

    Future Projections

    Experts from IDC and Mercury Research indicate that this trend is only going to get stronger. By 2025, AMD’s revenue market share is predicted to climb to 36%, while Intel’s share could drop to around 55%. Even though ARM-based server processors are still under 10%, they are beginning to gain market presence steadily.

    Looking ahead, by 2027, AMD might achieve a 40% market share, whereas Intel is forecasted to dip below the crucial 50% mark. ARM processors are also expected to keep rising, possibly reaching between 10% and 12%. Analysts believe that by 2028, AMD and Intel could be on equal ground — a major shift for the industry.

    Revenue vs. Volume

    It’s crucial to understand that these shifts mainly reflect revenue rather than the number of processors sold. AMD has excelled at selling high-end, premium products, while Intel still leads in volume with its more budget-friendly server CPUs.

    This trend seems unlikely to change anytime soon. AMD’s solid roadmap and continuous innovations are strengthening its competitive position, while Intel’s initiatives — like the introduction of the Xeon 6 series — have not yet shown a positive effect in market statistics.

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  • Ryzen 5 9600X3D and Ryzen Pro CPUs Spotted Online

    Ryzen 5 9600X3D and Ryzen Pro CPUs Spotted Online

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD launched the Ryzen 5 5500X3D, supporting the AM4 socket, but limited X3D options exist for AM5 users.
    2. The Ryzen 5 7600X3D had a limited release, with a new successor expected soon.
    3. The upcoming Ryzen 5 9600X3D, featuring six Zen 5 cores and twelve threads, has not been officially announced.
    4. New Pro-branded CPUs include Ryzen 9 Pro 9945, Ryzen 7 Pro 9745, Ryzen 5 Pro 9645, and Ryzen 5 Pro 9400, without the GE suffix.
    5. The Ryzen 5 9600X3D’s added 3D V-cache may improve gaming performance, but its core count may limit its appeal for other tasks.


    AMD has recently launched the Ryzen 5 5500X3D, which shows their strong support for the AM4 socket. However, for those who have already moved to the AM5 platform, there aren’t many X3D options available. The previous Ryzen 5 7600X3D was only a limited release in one market, but now, there’s a new successor on the way.

    Upcoming Models

    On the update page for AMD’s Radeon AI PRO R9700 driver, there’s a list of CPUs that includes the Ryzen 5 9600X3D, which hasn’t been officially announced yet, along with the Ryzen 5 9600. Additionally, it mentions new Ryzen models like the Ryzen 9 Pro 9945, Ryzen 7 Pro 9745, Ryzen 5 Pro 9645, and Ryzen 5 Pro 9400. The new Pro-branded CPUs are quite interesting, especially since, unlike their Ryzen 8000 series siblings such as the Ryzen 7 Pro 8700GE, they don’t have the GE suffix.

    Specifications and Expectations

    Regarding the Ryzen 5 9600X3D, it appears to be a Ryzen 5 9600X with an added 3D V-cache layer, featuring six Zen 5 cores and twelve threads. While the additional cache is likely to enhance gaming performance, its limited core count could make it less appealing for other uses. It’s still uncertain if this CPU will be available on a global scale.

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  • Next-Gen AMD RDNA 5 GPUs to Feature HDMI 2.2 Without Full Bandwidth

    Next-Gen AMD RDNA 5 GPUs to Feature HDMI 2.2 Without Full Bandwidth

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD has canceled the RDNA 4 GPU to focus resources on the RDNA 5 architecture, which is expected to show promising performance.

    2. The upcoming RDNA 5/UDNA architecture, known as “GFX13,” will support HDMI 2.2 with potential bandwidths of 64 Gbps and 80 Gbps.

    3. HDMI 2.2, unveiled at CES 2025, doubles the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1b and supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, but requires new “Ultra96” HDMI cables.

    4. AMD’s decision to implement HDMI 2.2 at lower bandwidths may be a cost-saving strategy, although the exact reasons are unclear.

    5. The RDNA 5 architecture is expected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027, with potential integration into the PS6.


    We have been receiving various reports about AMD’s upcoming RDNA 5 or UDNA technology since the year 2023. In August of that same year, we mentioned that AMD decided to cancel its top-tier RDNA 4 GPU in order to allocate resources for the RDNA 5 architecture, which was expected to deliver “promising early performance metrics.” Although AMD did not release a flagship RDNA 4 GPU, it’s unclear if this decision has positively influenced the progress of RDNA 5.

    New Hardware Insights

    Recently, we are beginning to obtain some hardware details about the RDNA 5/UDNA architecture. Kepler_L2 has released information regarding the potential HDMI setup for AMD’s upcoming GPUs.

    Kepler_L2 claims that the next-gen RDNA5/UDNA, known internally as “GFX13,” will have support for 64 Gbps and 80 Gbps HDMI 2.2. However, this does not represent the complete bandwidth capabilities of HDMI 2.2.

    HDMI 2.2 Overview

    Unveiled at CES 2025, HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth compared to HDMI 2.1b’s 48 Gbps and brings support for 4K@480 Hz, 8K@240 Hz, and 10K@120 Hz. This is a major improvement over HDMI 2.1b, which maxes out at 4K@120 Hz and 8K@120 Hz. Nonetheless, to fully utilize the enhanced bandwidth, users will need to purchase the new “Ultra96” HDMI cables.

    According to reports, AMD is only implementing HDMI 2.2 at 80/64 Gbps for its next-generation Radeon GPUs. The exact reason behind this choice remains unclear, but it may be a strategy to save costs.

    Future Expectations

    AMD’s upcoming GPU architecture is being touted as a “Zen moment” for its graphics division. The architecture is anticipated to make its debut on desktop systems sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. There are also hints that an RDNA 5/UDNA-based Radeon iGPU could be featured in the PS6 around the same period.

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  • Next Xbox Console Price May Exceed $1,000

    Next Xbox Console Price May Exceed $1,000

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox consoles will use AMD SoCs and support multiple storefronts.
    2. A well-known leaker suggests the next Xbox could be priced over $1,000.
    3. Allowing multiple storefronts may lead to higher console prices due to loss of exclusivity.
    4. Consumers are divided; some see value in a $1,000 console if it can replace a PC.
    5. Official pricing information is not yet available, but speculation suggests a possible reveal in 2026.


    Microsoft has recently made the announcement that their upcoming Xbox consoles will utilize AMD SoCs. One particularly intriguing detail is that these consoles won’t be restricted to just one store, a feature that is also a key selling point for the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. While this freedom sounds appealing, it’s likely to come with a high cost. A well-known leaker has suggested that the price of the next Xbox could exceed $1,000.

    Leaks from Kepler_L2

    Kepler_L2 is recognized for leaking information about SoCs and the processing power of upcoming gaming devices, including future PlayStation and Xbox consoles. In response to Xbox president Sarah Bond’s announcement, Kepler_L2 commented on X, noting that if Microsoft wants to support various storefronts on its primary gaming device, the console will need to be sold at a profit. The leaker ominously stated, “Prepare yourselves for the first console over $1000, guys.”

    The Price Dilemma

    Currently, Microsoft has not released any official information regarding the price of the next generation Xbox, but the leaker’s claim of a price tag over $1,000 may have some validity. Typically, consoles have limited and well-optimized functionalities, allowing manufacturers to produce SoCs at a lower cost compared to PCs. Consequently, companies such as Microsoft, Sony, and Valve can set lower prices for consoles, relying on game store exclusivity and subscription services (like Xbox and PlayStation).

    However, with Microsoft planning to allow multiple storefronts, they may lose exclusivity and possibly subscribers. To compensate for this, the base price of the console would need to be higher, which could lead to a significant increase in cost for consumers.

    Consumer Reactions

    Users commenting on Kepler_L2’s post seem to be open to the idea of a $1,000 console. Some express that if the console can replace their PC, it would be worth the price. Others argue that having multiple storefronts might encourage competitive pricing for games. As for the actual cost of the next Xbox, that’s still unknown. Recent speculation indicates that Microsoft might reveal the next Xbox as soon as 2026.

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