Microsoft is preparing to launch its next-generation Xbox console, which is reported to feature an AMD chip and will not be limited to a single store. It will also support a library of existing Xbox games. Recent comments from Xbox president Sarah Bond suggest that the upcoming console may have characteristics of both a hybrid console and a PC.
In an interview with Mashable, Bond hinted at the premium nature of the next-gen Xbox, describing it as a “very high-end curated experience.” When questioned about the console’s similarities to a gaming PC, she did not disagree, implying a focus on blending console and PC gaming experiences. She referenced the new handheld device, Xbox Ally X, as indicative of Microsoft’s future approach but withheld specific details.
For over a year, speculation has circulated about the new Xbox being more PC-like. Bond’s statements reinforced her vision of an “Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device” and emphasized Windows as a key platform for gaming. In June, she announced a partnership with AMD aimed at enhancing the Xbox portfolio.
There are ongoing discussions regarding whether the next-gen Xbox console will run on Windows and whether it will include offerings from third-party developers that Microsoft will also categorize as Xbox devices. A recent report indicated that the Xbox Ally X handheld, priced at approximately $1,000, could gauge consumer interest in higher-end consoles, possibly indicating a blend of Xbox and Windows functionalities. Bond characterized this next-generation console as poised to deliver “the largest technical leap” seen in a hardware generation thus far.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/803824/microsoft-xbox-sarah-bond-next-gen-xbox-console-pc