The next-generation Xbox console could mark a dramatic shift in Microsoft’s gaming hardware strategy, according to recent insider reports. Well-known Microsoft insider Jez Corden, speaking on The Xbox Two Podcast in early March 2025, described the upcoming console as “a PC in essence, but with a TV-friendly shell.” This suggests that Microsoft is planning to blur the lines between traditional consoles and PCs, potentially revolutionizing how gamers and developers interact with its hardware.
The Xbox Series X and Series S already share architectural similarities with PCs, thanks to their AMD APUs featuring Zen 2 CPUs and RDNA 2 GPUs. However, the next-gen Xbox is rumored to take this a step futrher by adopting an operating system much closer to vanilla Windows. This move could simplify game development significantly. Instead of grappling with unique APIs and hardware quirks, developers would essentially create PC games while targeting fixed hardware specifications. This streamlined approach could eliminate the need for traditional devkits, as developers would only require a list of hardware specs to optimize their games.
Corden also addressed recent rumors about next-gen Xbox devkits circulating among developers, calling them “not accurate.” According to him, the PC-centric design of the upcoming console means that developers won’t need specialized hardware to start working on games. This could accelerate the development process and make it easier for smaller studios to create games for the platform.
As for the release timeline, Corden reiterated his earlier prediction that the next Xbox generation could arrive as early as 2027. This aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to deliver what it calls the “largest technical leap” in a single console generation. However, the company’s plans for a handheld device remain unclear. While Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed in November 2024 that a handheld prototype was in development, it’s uncertain whether it will be part of the next Xbox generation or a standalone streaming device like the PlayStation Portal.
Microsoft’s pivot toward a TV-friendly PC-like console comes at a time when the company faces significant challenges in the gaming market. The PS5 has been outselling the Xbox Series X/S by a ratio of three-to-one, and Microsoft’s decision to embrace multi-platform game publishing has raised questions about the future of Xbox exclusivity. While this strategy may broaden the reach of Xbox games, it could also make it harder for the next-gen console to stand out in a competitive market.
In summary, the next Xbox console could represent a bold new direction for Microsoft, blending the flexibility of a PC with the accessibility of a console. By simplifying development and embracing a more open architecture, Microsoft aims to deliver a gaming experience that appeals to both players and creators. However, whether this strategy will help Xbox regain its footing in the console wars remains to be seen.
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