It Sure Sounds Like the Next Xbox Will Be a Gaming PC

IGN: Microsoft has announced a collaboration with AMD for the next Xbox console - which sounds a lot like a gaming PC.

[drivxr]

I think what most are struggling with is the concept of a console that is NOT a closed platform.

An open one. You're used to being locked in.

[thorstein]

Exactly. If I can run Steam, Epic, and GOG, as well, it will be interesting to see and consider getting one. My first branded Xbox since 360.

[Terry_B]

mark my words..it won't be able to run any of the three.

[thorstein]

@terry

If it doesn't, then it's a no buy for me.

[Obscure_Observer]

@Terry_B

"mark my words..it won't be able to run any of the three."

Translated = "I don´t want it to happen"

There. Fixed for you.

[babadivad]

@Obscure

Translated = "I don´t want it to happen"

Basically this. 😂😂

[Skyfly47]

Can anyone help me understand what the big win is here for Microsoft or the customer—if any of these rumors are actually true?

From my perspective, it just doesn’t add up as there are a couple of business-related concerns that stand out.

First, why would Microsoft invest heavily in a platform only to allow competing storefronts on it, which would inevitably eat into their profit margins? Why promote any other store to under cut you?

Second, why price your platform at nearly double the cost of the nearest competitor—especially when that competitor will likely have both a price advantage and access to over 90% of your game catalog?

And ultimately, from the customer's standpoint, they already have access to these storefronts on something called a PC. So what’s the actual value proposition here — am i missing something?

[Vits]

This is my personal view based on Microsoft’s recent actions in different areas. Many people, including a large portion of the internet, imagine that Microsoft’s new Xbox-branded PC devices are simply regular gaming PCs with an Xbox logo on them. If that were true, these devices would carry all the typical problems of PCs, especially high prices. However, this is a shallow and unlikely scenario for Microsoft.

The real advantage for Microsoft is about gaining market share and simplifying their ecosystem. Microsoft already dominates the operating system market with Windows installed on most computers worldwide. Yet when it comes to gaming, their presence on Windows is surprisingly weak. Although Windows is the main platform for PC gaming, Microsoft’s own ecosystem, except for Game Pass, is barely relevant. Their store is rarely used, their launcher is mostly ignored, and they have little control over the market. Competitors such as Epic Games have managed to build significant user bases despite facing challenges at the start.

Microsoft’s plan to create a more open but unified system is a strategic move to capture a significant portion of the large PC gaming audience while still keeping their existing Xbox users. The goal is to create an experience that bridges both markets seamlessly.

How will Microsoft encourage users to adopt their ecosystem if the platform is open? They will make it open enough to satisfy requirements but introduce subtle inconveniences that steer users toward Microsoft’s own services. Leaks about a “Windows Gaming” system expected on devices like the ROG Ally Xbox show Microsoft putting their store, Game Pass app, and services front and center. Other platforms like Steam will still be available but may require extra effort. Casual console users are unlikely to bother, and many PC gamers may prefer the convenience of Microsoft’s ecosystem.

From the consumer’s perspective, Microsoft is unlikely to release an expensive, high-end machine. Their partnership with AMD instead of Nvidia suggests they are focused on affordability and standardized hardware rather than maximum performance. A device that is affordable and reliable, positioned between a traditional console and a budget gaming PC, makes more sense. This kind of product could attract low to mid-range PC gamers, which make up the majority of the market, while keeping the console appeal to console players . If priced well, Microsoft will not lose Xbox users and might even offer a better value than competitors like Sony, who are expected to target prices above $700.

In summary, Microsoft gains a stronger presence in the PC gaming space without losing what they already have with Xbox. Consumers get an affordable and flexible system.

The bigger picture is what happens over time. As more people grow up using this kind of Xbox-driven environment, Microsoft’s control over PC gaming will naturally increase. Once established, they will be able to gradually tighten the system’s openness and shape it into a more controlled, console-like ecosystem. This could be the fulfillment of their Windows 8 vision for a more locked-down PC, but done in a way that users might barely notice.

[Skyfly47]

@Vits

Interesting... We'll have to wait and see how this actually plays out i guess, but if the rumors are true, I can’t help but feel this may be a misstep on their part. I just don't see PC gamers being willing to accept these kinds of tradeoffs.

Steam, as we all know, has a highly dedicated and loyal user base with massive game libraries tied to the platform. So why would those players be interested in a console that potentially makes access to that ecosystem more difficult—especially when they can just stick with their existing PCs?

The affordability angle sounds compelling though, but according to what's been leaked by so-called "trusted sources," Microsoft won’t be subsidizing the cost of the console this time due to slimmer margins caused by the multi-storefront approach. That could result in a very expensive system.

Speaking as a PC gamer myself, I can also unequivocally say—we don’t like being restricted or pushed into using platforms we don't trust or want.

All i can say at this point is if Microsoft is going down this path, they’ll need to bring some serious clarity and compelling reasons to the table.

[Vits]

Yeah, they absolutely are. The thing about PC gamers is that the ones you see the most, the loudest, the most active, are the hardcore crowd. But they’re a small fraction of the actual PC gaming community. The majority of PC gamers are running entry-level or mid-range setups. If you use consoles as a reference point, most of them are either a bit below or a bit above that middle ground. So for those people, a machine that works as a PC but costs less than building one? That’s an easy decision. It doesn’t take a genius to see the appeal.

Of course, the hardcore crowd won’t care. They’re never interested in anything short of top-tier gear, and that’s fine. But those people were never the target for this kind of product anyway. You win those over by improving performance and optimizing software, not by trying to sell them a prebuilt box.

As for all these so-called leaks, let’s be real. There’s no actual “trusted source” here. The most widely shared info is just a hardware leaker voicing a personal opinion, not an actual leak, and it’s not even in their area of expertise. So maybe people should stop acting like that settles anything. Is just a matter of logical thinking, if the goal was to build a high-end, unsubsidized, off-the-shelf box with no custom hardware, partnering with AMD would make zero sense. That’s not what AMD is known for, and Microsoft is fully aware of that.

And look, I’m a PC gamer too, but I know better than to pretend I represent everyone. PC gamers aren’t some unified group. Unlike console fanboys who tend to think and act the same, we’re all over the place. Just check the Steam hardware survey if you need a reminder. If Microsoft releases something that is actually cost-effective, a huge number of users are going to pay attention. I’m talking about the people still running GTX 1000 or early RTX 2000 and 3000 series cards. These are not the hardcore enthusiasts chasing the latest and greatest. They are the majority, the ones who have been waiting for a smart, affordable reason to upgrade. And if that reason comes in the form of an open console and PC hybrid, they will absolutely be on board.

[Obscure_Observer]

@Vits

Just perfect!

[Ganif]

Vits

Even if this was their plan it's extremely unlikely they are going to have the device market share to effect any kind of change in consumer habits. Epic game store has been around for how long and it still doesn't even hold a fraction of the market share, games/developers vs Steam. If Steam is available greater than 90% of users are going to use that marketplace. Why would anyone buy the console/Windows Store (likely more expensive) version of anything in a system like that?

On the Asus Xbox Rog I guarantee people aren't switching to Windows Store over Steam, If fact I bet a larger portion of them ditch Windows all together and install Steam OS than switch from buying games on Steam marketplace to Windows Store.

And there is the whole issue of licensing, no publishers are going to pay licensing fees to Xbox and Steam if they can just put the game on Steam and if people choose to play their Steam game on their Xbox brand PC so be it. Not to mention issues involving royalties owed by providing previous generation games on a platform like this. As well as other legal and contractual issues related to if Microsoft can just offer other publishers software like this.

Why have a console that is going to give up it's only advantage as a store front?

My personal view is without the closed marketplace there is no point to having a console.

[PhillyDonJawn]

Chances are we'd get 2 versions. A weaker closed off version and an open powerful and a lot more expensive version

[Skyfly47]

@ Vits

Fair points, but you're glossing over some key realities.

Yes, the average PC gamer isn’t running a $2,000 rig—but that doesn’t automatically mean they’re ready to ditch flexibility for a locked-down box, even if it’s cheaper. You’re assuming cost is the only factor. It’s not. Even mid-range users value choice—upgradability, modding, peripheral freedom, storefront options. That’s the DNA of PC gaming, and any console/PC hybrid has to earn its place there, not just show up with a lower price tag.

Also, dismissing all the leaks as "just opinions" is a little convenient. True, not every rumor deserves weight, but patterns emerge when multiple sources (even the less credible ones) point in the same direction. You can be skeptical without acting like nothing short of a Microsoft press release counts as insight.

And about AMD—your argument that they wouldn't be involved if this were a high-end, unsubsidized machine doesn’t really hold. AMD literally powers every modern console and a huge chunk of PCs. If anything, they’re the most logical partner because they offer scalable, cost-effective hardware that Microsoft can customize and optimize. That’s what AMD is known for—console integration at scale, not boutique components.

Bottom line: yes, there’s a market for a budget-friendly hybrid, but let’s not pretend it’s a slam dunk just because some people are still running GTX 1060s. Value matters, but so do ecosystem, flexibility, and trust—and Microsoft still has to prove it can deliver all three in a package that genuinely appeals to PC gamers, not just console converts.

[Skyfly47]

...

[Sonic1881]

It will be hitting close to the $1000 dollar mark 😂

[Obscure_Observer]

"It will be hitting close to the $1000 dollar mark 😂"

Not if MS wants to keep most of their Gamepass Ultimate subscribers, they won´t.

Plus, you have to keep in mind that MS is a far bigger and richer company compared to Nintendo or Sony which can easily reduce it´s profit margins just to make Xbox Next the most affordable and cost-effective console in the market.

It would be hilarious if the PS6 turn out to be the more expensive console, so I think Sony will remain silent and keep all of the PS6 features and prices close to their chests until MS get everything Xbox-related in the wild.

[Ganif]

"Plus, you have to keep in mind that MS is a far bigger and richer company compared to Nintendo or Sony which can easily reduce it´s profit margins just to make Xbox Next the most affordable and cost-effective console in the market."

Then why did they increase the price of the existing console recently, while both Nintendo and Sony didn't?

And they have been selling their consoles at a loss all generation by their own admission yet they are still in a distant third place.

"It would be hilarious if the PS6 turn out to be the more expensive console, so I think Sony will remain silent and keep all of the PS6 features and prices close to their chests until MS get everything Xbox-related in the wild."

The PS5 Pro at $700 is outselling the Series X at $599/549.

PlayStation 5 Pro Console
#81 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console

#114 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

#1 in Xbox Series X & S Consoles
#1 in Xbox Consoles

[HyperMoused]

so a PC then

[Ganif]

Saying, “working closely with the Windows team to make Windows the number one gaming platform.” is not the same as saying the console is going to play PC games.

If they are telling you they are making a console and all this other stuff, why not just say the console is going to support PC? Why play coy about it?

To me it seems like more of a reply to the fact that they have a Rog Ally that they are trying to sell but has terrible performance because of Windows 11 and they are simply trying to convince people to buy it.

In an embarrassment for Microsoft, SteamOS seems to destroy Windows 11 on gaming performance and battery life, as well as usability
https://www.windowscentral....

Every generation people say Xbox is going to play PC games then it doe

[Hypertension140]

This is what I thought as well. They haven't made it entirely clear if this is going to be PC like console.

If it is, how are they going to pull it off? Will they still charge for online? What about censorship? Last time I checked Microsoft doesn't even like having curvy women in thier games, so what are they going to do about the adult content on steam?

This thing isn't going to be a true Xbox, and its also rumored to cost more than $1000.

[Obscure_Observer]

As opposed to "open platform", it´s gonna be *more open* instead. That´s the main difference that some people still don´t realized.

The Xbox Next will continue and be your conventional home console. However it that will bring a revolutionary innovation to console market by bridge the gap and blur the line between console and PC gaming.

Literally the best of both worlds!

[StoneTitan]

An xbox for everyone is an xbox for no-one.

Its gonna make the xbox brand even less desireable. Crazy how fast the ship is sinking.

[Ganif]

It's a binary question. Is Xbox making a console that plays PC games yes or no.

I am almost certain they are just talking about their Play Anywhere which allows you to play games on PC, console and Stream. They aren't saying that the console is going to Play PC games, they are saying their games will be on PC and console.

And they are talking about making Windows the best place to game because as it stands right now, you can use Linux to emulate a Windows environment and get better performance than you get playing on an actual Windows 11 PC.

If you buy a Xbox Asus Rog your games will perform better if you install Steam OS on it instead of the Windows 11 it comes with. This is what they are talking about.

[Kekewei]

Why do you xbox diehards always talk like American politicians...

[TheColbertinator]

So a gaming PC custom made like the Alienware or Steam Deck. Great.

[Exthun]

New on Xbox: Double press tbutton A to launch a game it’s about forcing you to see more ads. Just another subtle way to push games content—or worse, promotions—we didn’t ask for.

[PhillyDonJawn]

Nintendo sits laughing, as ps struggles fighting. pc and xb already down for the count. Nintendo new transformation proves too much.

Xbox: we have to do it. PS wont last much longer and we're out of energy
PC: dammit, hate to admit it but your right. *Inserts special chip*
PS nearly finished looks backs at the burst of energy. Nintendo throws PS throw rocks.
PS: here take the some of my power too.
The bright energy grows even bigger and explodes. Smoke clears and something new emerges
Nintendo: who are you? Xbox or PC?
XPCbox: I am, and I am not!
Find out next time on gaming ball Z!

[badz149]

Steam Machine 2.0

[anast]

If it's under 1k, it will be worth it. If it's over, there are better options.

[Destiny1080]

80% of xbox gamers are using mums s model and they cant afford any games outside of junior gamepass

phil wants to drop a 1200 bucks pc on them

[shinXseijuro]

Microsoft being in the OS development and tech for so many decades now then allowing themselves to potentially lose shares of a market knowing they’ll keep them in the market in the long shouldn’t be an issue if you think about it . Xbox brand is just a small part of Microsoft if we’re keeping it real! People don’t buy Xbox’s anymore !? Ok let’s make budget pcs with a Xbox tag on it so the name lives on and attach a portable console like the switch that can run wtv people want like steam , epic store , gamepass and emulator but just make sure the Xbox logo is on it ;) . Tbh that’s how you stay relevant and make sure you don’t die . Microsoft
Is never gonna die it might lose steam here and there but when you look at the bigger picture everything that was once exclusive is now on pc or Xbox and vice versa . We live in a new era and it seems like it’ll lean towards a subscription service model where the consoles or “ base gaming pcs are it’s brand name attached “ will all do the same stuff and it’ll be about who offers more on the subscription front

[shinXseijuro]

Sorry for my typo in the beginning of my first post . I meant to say * Microsoft allowing themselves to potentially lose shares of a market knowing that’ll keep them in the market in the long run *

[D2niceforu]

Some people are forgetting GamePass is the platform pusher now for Xbox and "Xbox PC". That's why they are still making hardware. If they stopped hardware gamepass would crumble down in numbers.

The extra goodies are the new multi-store experience. Bringing your games to you regardless where you want to play. It's a shakeup, lets see where it takes them.