2026-02-09 12:00:25
Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox is reportedly targeting 2027 as a “best case-senario”.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft has not internally locked in a fixed launch date for its upcoming console.
Instead, the Xbox and Windows teams are said to be prioritizing polish over speed, with the system’s timeline closely tied to broader improvements to Windows 11.
Unlike previous consoles, the next Xbox is widely expected to blur the line between console and PC.
Sources have described it as a Windows-based gaming machine with a TV-first interface layered on top, capable of running existing Xbox titles alongside PC storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Microsoft has already reportedly tested elements of this approach through partnerships like the ASUS-built Xbox Ally handhelds, which act as an early proof of concept.
However, that flexibility comes with challenges, as pricing remains one of the biggest unknowns – with Microsoft reportedly hesitant to commit amid volatile component costs, global tariffs and supply-chain pressures.
Some analysts have said a premium first-party Xbox could land near the $1,000 mark, but Microsoft is said to be exploring a wider ecosystem of devices built with partners like ASUS, offering different performance levels and price points.
Crucially, Microsoft does not expect players on Xbox Series X and S to be left behind.
Support for current-generation consoles is likely to extend well into the next cycle, mirroring how PlayStation 4 and Xbox One continued to receive major releases years after newer hardware launched.
This “long tail” strategy aligns with Microsoft’s broader “Xbox Everywhere” vision, which emphasizes cross-play, cross-save and platform-agnostic game access.
Internally, the Gen-10 Xbox project is said to be seen as high-risk but high-reward.
By fusing Windows and Xbox more tightly than ever, Microsoft seemingly hopes to create a flexible hardware platform that meets players wherever they are.
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