WEB DESK: Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox could blur the line between console and computer, with reports suggesting the tech giant plans to run the new device on Windows 11. The move would mark a major shift in the brand’s approach, taking Xbox closer to the PC ecosystem than ever before.
The speculation follows Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s recent remarks hinting that the company is rethinking what a gaming console should be. During a public appearance, Spencer told audiences that if they wanted a glimpse of Xbox’s future, they should look at the ROG Ally, a handheld console that operates on Windows 11.
According to Windows Central, which cited “trusted sources”, Microsoft’s next Xbox will follow a similar route. Instead of using a custom-built operating system like its predecessors, the new console is expected to function as a fully optimised version of Windows 11. This means it could feature a dedicated gaming mode designed for large screens, allowing users to switch seamlessly between gaming and standard PC functions.
A console that behaves like a computer
The idea isn’t far-fetched. The ROG Ally, developed by ASUS, already runs a specialised Windows 11 mode that focuses entirely on gaming performance. Insiders believe the next Xbox will take this concept further, giving players the power of a gaming PC with the convenience of a console.
If true, the implications are huge. Players might be able to install apps like Steam, opening the door to a wider library of PC games beyond Microsoft’s own ecosystem. With the company already integrating its Xbox app to recognise titles from different storefronts, this cross-platform experience seems increasingly possible.
Still early, but aligns with Microsoft’s direction
While these claims are not officially confirmed, they fit well with Microsoft’s current strategy. The company has been gradually shifting away from pure console competition, aiming instead to become a broader entertainment platform that rivals streaming services and digital media.
For Xbox fans, this development brings cautious optimism. If the rumours hold true, the next Xbox won’t just be a gaming console, it could be a hybrid machine that bridges the gap between console gaming and PC freedom, setting a new standard for how people play.