Microsoft has announced a collaboration with AMD to develop the chipsets for its upcoming Xbox console lineup. The partnership, revealed on Tuesday, involves a long-term agreement aimed at co-creating technology for future devices, including the much-anticipated next-generation Xbox consoles. In a recent video, Xbox president Sarah Bond stated that the new Xbox experience would not be confined to a single store or device, hinting at an inclusive platform that may support third-party stores like Steam.
The Next Xbox Will Embrace Open Platforms
This news follows the Xbox Games Showcase, where Microsoft presented the first Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC developed by Asus. The ROG Xbox Ally provides a full-screen Xbox interface operating on Windows, enabling access to other PC storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
Bond highlighted that the next-generation Xbox platform aims to deliver enhanced visual quality and immersive gaming experiences powered by artificial intelligence. She confirmed that the new consoles would maintain backwards compatibility with users’ existing Xbox game libraries.
Microsoft appears to be reinforcing its vision of Xbox as a platform that extends beyond traditional consoles, incorporating various devices including handhelds, PCs, and smart TVs, both natively and through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Notably, there is a strong indication that the next Xbox console may operate on a Windows-centric framework, allowing Xbox titles to be played alongside third-party storefronts, mirroring the functionality of the ROG Xbox Ally.
Could Windows Be the Future of Xbox?
“Our goal is to create a gaming platform that is accessible whenever and wherever you want to play your favorite games, offering an Xbox experience that isn’t restricted to a specific store or device,” Bond articulated.
“This is why we are collaborating closely with the Windows team to position Windows as the premier platform for gaming.”
The existing Xbox Series S and X consoles utilize AMD technology, featuring a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU. The new Xbox Ally handhelds are also powered by AMD chipsets, incorporating the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and Ryzen Z2 A for the Xbox Ally X and Xbox Ally, respectively.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, Microsoft had hinted at its next-generation consoles, emphasizing a commitment to delivering what it described as the “largest technical leap” in a new console generation.
