The next Xbox will reportedly unite console and PC gaming, offering full Windows support and cross-platform access.
Microsoft is preparing a major shift for its next-generation Xbox console. The upcoming device will reportedly operate as a Windows-based gaming PC, while retaining the familiar console experience that fans expect. This marks a significant evolution in the company’s long-term strategy to bridge console and PC gaming.
According to a report by Windows Central, the platform currently being tested through the Xbox Ally device serves as a preview of what’s to come. The next console will feature a TV-optimised interface layered on top of full Windows functionality, allowing players to access a wide range of titles from different storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and Riot Client. This setup means users could play everything from PlayStation’s PC releases such as God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and Spider-Man, to Blizzard titles like World of Warcraft.
A Windows-powered console experience
Microsoft’s partnership with ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally is designed to gather feedback for the next-generation platform. The company aims to preserve the traditional Xbox feel for players who prefer a console-like environment, while giving others the freedom to switch to Windows for greater compatibility.
Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that new hardware is already in development in collaboration with AMD. She said, “We have our next-gen hardware in development. We’ve been looking at prototyping, designing. We have a partnership we’ve announced with AMD around it, so that is coming.”
The new Xbox is expected to support the entire Xbox Series X|S library, including backwards-compatible titles from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. These games will run natively on the system, and be accessible through the familiar Xbox library interface.
Expanded ecosystem and technical improvements
Microsoft is also refining performance across its Xbox and Windows teams to optimise the platform for televisions and controllers. The new system will feature AMD’s next-generation silicon, which has already received approval from the company’s leadership. Developers will be able to produce native versions for the console, or rely on Smart Delivery and Xbox Play Anywhere for cross-generation compatibility. AI-powered tools such as Auto Super Resolution and advanced frame generation will enhance visuals and performance.
In addition, the company is developing ways to streamline the Windows-based experience by reducing system overheads and eliminating issues common in PC gaming, such as shader compilation delays.
Game Pass structure and pricing still in question
Details surrounding Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass remain undecided. Microsoft is said to be evaluating how subscriptions will function on a Windows-based console, and whether multiplayer will remain behind a paywall. Removing the fee would align the experience more closely with traditional PC gaming.
Bond previously described the upcoming console as a premium product, suggesting a higher launch price than earlier Xbox models. However, it is expected to remain cheaper than an equivalent gaming PC thanks to Microsoft’s hardware partnerships and the absence of Windows licensing costs.
Developers could also benefit from Microsoft’s 12% revenue share on its PC store, which is lower than Steam’s 30% rate, potentially encouraging more publishers to join the Xbox ecosystem. While Microsoft has not announced a release date, Windows Central's sources indicate that the company is targeting a launch around 2027. The next Xbox aims to unite console and PC gaming, combining decades of compatible titles into one accessible system.
An Xbox Partner Preview showcase is reportedly planned for November, where Xbox Play Anywhere titles are expected to take centre stage.
