Microsoft has hinted in recent months that its next-generation console will be a Windows-centric device with an open platform. Now, a new report claims that the next Xbox will indeed run Windows and come with a TV-optimized console interface, just like the new Xbox-branded handheld device. In addition to the Microsoft Store, the Windows operating system also allows the console to run rival third-party storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Over the past 20 months, Xbox has changed its strategy for first-party games, essentially moving from being a platform holder with exclusive games to a third-party publisher releasing games across platforms. Since February 2024, when Microsoft announced four first-party games for PlayStation and Nintendo, multiple Xbox exclusive games have launched on PS5.
The Xbox parent company is bringing some of its biggest franchises, such as Gears of War and Forza Horizon, to PlayStation. Last week, the company finally confirmed that its flagship Halo series will be coming to Sony consoles next year, with a remastered version of Halo: Combat Evolved launching on PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5.
Next-gen Xbox will run Windows
As console exclusives emerge, Microsoft says its Asus-made Window gaming handheld ROG Xbox Ally will guide the thinking behind the next-generation Xbox home console. A new Windows Central report sheds light on the future of Xbox windowing, claiming that the next-generation Xbox console will run “full-bore” Windows with a console-style interface on top that’s optimized for TVs.
The same approach also appears on the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld devices, which run Windows 11 but launch directly into the new Xbox full-screen experience. Microsoft will reportedly collect feedback on the Windows-with-Xbox skin experience for handheld devices before optimizing it for the next-generation Xbox console on TVs.
ROG Xbox Ally handheld device runs Windows 11 and delivers the full-screen Xbox experience
Image source: Microsoft
The Xbox interface on Windows will allow Xbox users to log out to enjoy the full Windows experience and access other stores such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net. According to reports, users can also use the full set of Windows features.
However, the report states that the Windows experience will be optional and users will be able to stay in the Xbox ecosystem if they wish. The report states that the onboarding and launch experience will be close to what users get on the console.
Next Games on Xbox, Multiplayer Games
Additionally, the next generation Xbox will reportedly be backwards compatible with all games in the Xbox Series S/X library. The games will run natively through the Xbox interface – it’s unclear how the distinction between native PC games and Xbox games will be handled. Keep in mind that the Windows-based ROG Xbox Ally can only run PC games natively through the Xbox app on Windows or through other platforms like Steam. Users can play Xbox games on their devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Additionally, the report claims that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console will remove paywalls for multiplayer games, ironically a standard console practice that Microsoft started with the Xbox 360 with Xbox Live Gold. Currently, console players on Xbox and PlayStation must subscribe to Game Pass and PlayStation Plus respectively to play online multiplayer games. However, those plans may change before the next Xbox is released.
Microsoft has yet to officially confirm its plans for the next Xbox, other than that the console won’t be tied to a single platform and storefront. Xbox president Sarah Bond has hinted that the console will be a more Windows-centric device, with the goal of making Windows the “number one gaming platform.”
Last week, Bond told Mashable that the next Xbox will be a “very premium, very high-end curated experience,” suggesting the console could be the most expensive Xbox yet. Bond also said that some of Microsoft’s ideas for the next generation of Xbox can be seen in the recently launched ROG Xbox Ally handheld device.
The next-generation Xbox and PS6 are believed to be targeting a 2027 release date.
