Microsoft’s Next Console Could Blur the Line Between Console and PC

Microsoft’s gaming strategy is shifting once again. Despite major acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, which many thought would push the brand toward tighter exclusivity, Xbox has instead been moving closer to a multi-platform future. Its latest step, however, may redefine what a console even is.

According to new reports, the upcoming next-generation Xbox will combine the plug-and-play accessibility of a console with the openness of a gaming PC, offering players the freedom to access third-party stores, apps, and even rival platform games.

A Premium Console with PC Flexibility

The report, first published by Windows Central, claims that the next console will adopt a design philosophy inspired by high-performance handheld PCs like the ASUS ROG Ally X, one of the company’s own ecosystem partners.

Upon startup, the console will boot directly into the familiar Xbox Full Screen Experience, retaining the traditional console interface. However, players will reportedly be able to switch to Windows mode, turning the system into a fully functional gaming PC.

Full Windows Access and Third-Party Stores

In Windows mode, players will theoretically be able to:

Install and play games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms
Access applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
Run PC-only games such as League of Legends
Play PlayStation titles available on Steam, such as God of War and Horizon Zero Dawn

If true, this would represent one of the boldest integrations of PC and console ecosystems to date, a genuine hybrid device that prioritises player freedom over exclusivity.

Free Multiplayer and Full Backwards Compatibility

The same report suggests that the console will maintain Xbox’s renowned backward compatibility, allowing players to access their entire Xbox One and Series libraries at launch.

Even more notably, Microsoft is said to be considering removing the paywall for online multiplayer, a move that would align Xbox with Steam and the Epic Games Store, both of which offer free multiplayer.

Pricing and Market Strategy

Microsoft reportedly aims to price the system below the cost of building a comparable PC, positioning it as an affordable, high-performance hybrid for both console and PC players. The company’s goal appears to be value and versatility, offering premium specs at a price that undercuts traditional gaming rigs.

It’s not yet clear how Game Pass will function on the device, though sources speculate that Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass could merge into a unified experience across both operating modes.

A Redefinition of Xbox’s Identity

Microsoft has not commented on the report, but if accurate, it would mark the most radical evolution in Xbox’s history. The next console wouldn’t just compete with PlayStation and Nintendo — it would also directly challenge PC gaming’s dominance.

For Xbox, which has spent the past few years blurring the lines between hardware generations, this next leap could finally erase them entirely.