While many anticipate the next-generation Xbox to launch in 2027, a timeframe recently hinted at by AMD CEO Lisa Su, new reports suggest Microsoft isn’t entirely committed to this specific release window. The company apparently views 2027 as the most optimistic timeline for its upcoming console. Furthermore, Microsoft is reportedly partnering with various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to broaden the array of available Xbox hardware for consumers.
A recent report from Windows Central provides insight into Microsoft’s strategy for its upcoming home console, which may include third-party devices from manufacturers such as Asus, similar to their ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This report clarifies that Microsoft has not finalized a 2027 launch. Instead, the focus is currently on ensuring a highly refined Windows operating system experience for the console.
This doesn’t rule out a 2027 release entirely; Microsoft still considers it the ‘best-case scenario.’ However, the primary goal remains to deliver a smooth and significantly improved Xbox experience.
Microsoft is exploring options with OEMs to produce various Xbox hardware products.
Expanding the Xbox Hardware Ecosystem with OEM Partnerships
The report further reveals that Microsoft is in discussions with OEMs like Asus to develop a diverse portfolio of next-gen Xbox hardware, catering to various price segments. This initiative could lead to a variety of Xbox-branded devices from other companies, mirroring the success of handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally. Consumers might see everything from high-end, premium consoles that surpass Microsoft’s own standard models in price, to more budget-friendly, lower-spec options.
While a definitive price point for the next-gen Xbox has yet to be announced, Microsoft has stated that its forthcoming console will offer a ‘very premium, very high-end curated experience.’
Even with these collaborations, Microsoft is not stepping away from its proprietary hardware development. Beyond the main next-gen Xbox console, there are reportedly still ambitions within the company to produce a first-party Xbox handheld device in the future.
The Vision for the Next-Generation Xbox
Many anticipate the upcoming Xbox to be a hybrid console-PC, operating on Windows with a user interface designed for a console experience. Microsoft has previously indicated that the next-gen Xbox platform won’t be confined to a single digital storefront or device, strongly suggesting support for popular third-party stores such as Steam and Epic Games Store.
Reinforcing this, Epic Games recently announced its intention to make the Epic Games Store accessible on the next-gen Xbox home console from its launch day.
Both the PlayStation 6 and the next-gen Xbox are currently rumored for a 2027 release. However, emerging reports suggest a potential delay for this 10th generation of consoles, primarily due to increasing costs of memory and storage driven by AI development demands. An industry analyst even noted last month that Sony might extend the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle, potentially pushing the PS6’s launch past 2028.
Despite these potential delays, chipmaker AMD, responsible for the custom System-on-Chip (SoC) for both the PS6 and the next-gen Xbox, reiterated during its recent earnings call that Microsoft’s 10th generation home console remains on schedule for a 2027 release.