It seems the next-gen Xbox console will be more akin to a Windows 11 “gaming PC”. At least, according to reports from Windows Central, which claims the machine will be able to run “anything Windows can throw at it” while upholding backwards compatibility with Xbox games, stretching back to the Xbox One and older legacy titles.

It’s not completely out of the question for Microsoft to go in this direction. After all, the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds run on Windows 11, with the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) installed on top of it to provide a much more console-like user interface. Once you’re out of FSE, however, the handheld functions as a full-blown Windows PC.

Could the next Xbox essentially be a Windows PC?

I reported last year that the next-gen Xbox is essentially going to be a Windows 11 gaming PC, albeit with the capability to run existing Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and legacy backwards-compatible Xbox games. The new box will be capable of running practically anything Windows can throw at it, in essence, although by default, it will have a TV-first console-like interface.

Jez Corden, WIndows Central

Much like Valve’s Linux-based operating system, the Xbox Full Screen Experience aims to optimize the device for gaming. Corden says, “Microsoft’s Windows and Xbox teams are collaborating harder than ever to get the OS into shape for a polished, console-like experience on Xbox”. Xbox Sarah Bond has previously stated the next-gen machine will retain backwards compatibility.

Furthermore, interest from PC storefronts such as Epic Games Store has already been shown. In a recent interview with Game File, Epic’s GM of the Games Store, Steve Allison, said, “We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox […], And we’re going be there, like, on day one” – assuming policies don’t change. There also seems to be interest from Xbox to work with OEM partners such as ASUS again.

On that point, I’m told Microsoft is also working with OEMs such as ASUS and the like to build a variety of options for next-gen Xbox gamers across a range of price points, like the two Xbox Ally models. Despite rumors to the contrary, I’m told Microsoft also still wants to make a first-party Xbox handheld eventually, too, even if the traditional next-gen Xbox console is the focus for now.

Jez Corden, WIndows Central

The latest official news we’ve heard regarding a next-gen Xbox actually came from AMD, which will be supplying the semi-custom SoC for the console. In its recent earnings call, CEO Lisa Su claimed the company’s system-on-a-chip is “progressing well to support a launch in 2027”. This doesn’t confirm a release during that year, as Microsoft hasn’t given anything away yet, so treat the 2027 window as a best-case scenario.

If Microsoft does choose to go in this direction, it wouldn’t be a far cry away from what Valve has already done with the Steam Machine, currently slated to launch in the “first half of the year” despite storage and memory-fueled delays. The Steam Machine is a mini PC that you can install whatever you like on it, but it ships with a gaming-first operating system, SteamOS.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.