Microsoft’s Next Xbox Should Run Windows – Here’s Why
▼ Summary
– Microsoft announced a multi-year partnership with AMD to develop next-generation Xbox consoles for both living rooms and handheld devices.
– The company hinted at blurring the line between gaming PCs and consoles, possibly creating a Windows-based Xbox for living rooms.
– Modern consoles already use PC-like architectures, making development easier and reducing the gap between PC and console gaming.
– Microsoft’s new Xbox Experience for Handheld, showcased in the Asus ROG Ally, will replace Windows’ desktop interface with a gaming-focused UI.
– The Xbox Experience for Handheld will expand to other Windows devices starting next year, signaling broader integration of console-like features on PCs.
Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox could bridge the gap between console and PC gaming by embracing Windows, creating new opportunities for gamers and developers alike. Recent announcements confirm the company isn’t stepping back from the console market, with Xbox President Sarah Bond teasing a “next-generation” partnership with AMD. While details remain scarce, speculation suggests a bold move: a Windows-powered Xbox designed for the living room, capable of running standard PC games.
The boundaries between PC and console gaming have blurred significantly in recent years. Modern consoles now share hardware architectures with gaming PCs, making development more streamlined. Meanwhile, initiatives like Steam’s Big Picture mode have transformed PCs into living room-friendly platforms. A Windows-based Xbox could capitalize on this convergence, leveraging Microsoft’s strengths in PC gaming while revitalizing its console strategy.
The recent reveal of the Asus ROG Ally, a Windows 11 handheld with an optimized Xbox interface, hints at Microsoft’s broader vision. This device replaces traditional desktop elements with a console-like experience, prioritizing performance by reducing background tasks. Crucially, this interface won’t be limited to handhelds, Microsoft plans to expand it to other Windows devices soon.
Imagine an Xbox that doubles as a living room PC, offering access to Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms alongside Xbox Game Pass. Such a device could attract PC gamers who crave console convenience while retaining their existing libraries. For Microsoft, it’s an opportunity to unify its ecosystem, addressing criticisms of exclusivity and hardware limitations.
The gaming landscape is shifting, and Microsoft appears ready to lead the charge. By merging Windows and Xbox, the company could redefine what a console can bedelivering flexibility, power, and accessibility in one package. The next generation of Xbox might not just play games; it could change how we think about gaming altogether.,
(Source: Ars Technica)
