Next-generation Xbox consoles will use AMD chips, remain backwards compatible with existing Xbox games, and not be tied to a single store, according to Microsoft.
The news was shared in an official announcement by Microsoft-owned Xbox just weeks after the launch of Nintendo's new Switch 2 hybrid console and a renewed gaming push from Apple.
- "At Xbox our vision is for you to play the games you want with the people you want, anywhere you want. That's why we're investing in our next-generation hardware lineup across console, handheld, PC, cloud and accessories. I'm thrilled to share we've established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across a portfolio of devices, including our next-generation Xbox consoles in your living room and in your hands," said Sarah Bond, Xbox president.
x86 and backwards compatible
The AMD partnership all but confirms that Xbox will stay on x86 architecture rather than shifting to ARM. Sarah Bond also explicitly said that next-generation Xbox consoles will remain backwards compatible with existing Xbox games.
While x86 ensures compatibility, it may present challenges for Xbox's broader multi-platform ambitions as Apple and Nintendo, both using ARM, continue to gain traction with developers for native ports and game development.
Sony's PlayStation 6 is also expected to use x86-based AMD chips. Nvidia is the chip supplier for Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2.
Xbox has struggled to compete with Sony and Nintendo this console generation, but Windows remains a strong gaming platform.
Not tied to one store
Another significant shift is that Bond said future Xbox consoles will not be tied to a single store, like the Xbox Store, which strongly suggests they will run a version of Windows.
- "All while maintaining compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games. This is all about building you a gaming platform that's always with you, so you can play the games you want across devices anywhere you want, delivering you an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device. That's why we're working closely with the Windows team to ensure that Windows is the number one platform for gaming," said Sarah Bond.
Will that include Steam and Epic Games Store? Most likely, yes.
This would mark a major shift for console gaming, which has remained notoriously locked down for decades. However, it also seems to suggest that Microsoft will do away with the physical disc drive.
The next-generation Xbox for the living room is rumored to launch in 2027.
