The next Xbox would be a hybrid between console and PC: the community debates whether it will allow playing on existing teams

Rumors point to a new Microsoft console with Windows and support for external stores like Steam and Epic Games Store.

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Speculations about the next-generation Xbox point to an unprecedented change in Microsoft’s hardware strategy. Various leaks suggest that the company is preparing a hybrid system between console and PC, capable of running Windows and accessing multiple digital platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, in addition to the traditional Xbox Store.

However, the big question that many gamers are asking is whether Microsoft will allow users who already have a compatible PC to run their Xbox game library directly without needing to purchase the new console. The idea sounds appealing to those who already enjoy the Xbox ecosystem on their computer, but it could also put the proprietary hardware-based business model at risk.

An open-architecture console, but controlled

Industry experts believe that the key lies in the new custom processors that Microsoft is developing with AMD, which would include exclusive security and performance features. These features would make it impossible to fully replicate the Xbox experience on a conventional PC, at least without an official license.

However, some point to a possible opening of the ecosystem: Microsoft could license its technology to computer manufacturers to create certified “Xbox Ready” devices, capable of running console games natively. This approach would expand compatibility without breaking the ecosystem’s structure, offering more options to the player without losing control over the platform.

For now, there is no official confirmation, but the supposed launch price of $1,200 and mentions of full integration with Windows fuel the debate about the future of Xbox hardware. If what many anticipate comes true, the next generation could definitively erase the line that separates PC from console, consolidating Microsoft’s most flexible model in history.