Insider doubts new Xbox console will be Arm-based because of backward compatibility concerns

A new job posting suggests a new Xbox console could run on an Arm-based Snapdragon processor. That would be a dramatic shift from the AMD x86 architecture that recent Microsoft consoles rely on. However, Windows Central's Jez Corden believes backward compatibility issues make the idea unlikely. Corden had previously reported that future Xbox systems could arrive as soon as 2027.

Discovered by Brad Sams, the Qualcomm job ad is for a Sales Director in Redmond, Washington, where Microsoft is based. One of the goals for the position is to "support the sell-in activities for the next generation of Surface and Xbox products built on Snapdragon solutions". The employee would also "help define the next generation Surface and Xbox portfolios."

Despite the wording, Jez Corden is confident that a new Xbox console will employ familiar hardware. The insider just verified with a source that the consoles "are not based on Qualcomm chips". Corden believes emulating Xbox games designed for the x86 architecture would require too much effort. That said, the Qualcomm job holder could improve gaming on the 12-inch Surface Pro, which runs on an Arm-based chip. Many similar Microsoft devices struggle to play or even prevent the installation of Xbox titles.

An Xbox handheld embracing Arm would benefit from lower power usage. The console would be more efficient than AMD x86 alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally. However, backward compatibility and game preservation are priorities for Microsoft. In fact, the rumored Project Kennan is a collaboration with Asus that will likely resemble the ROG Ally. Rather than make hardware changes, Microsoft seems focused on making its Windows UI more accommodating to gamers.

Many details about the next Xbox consoles are unknown, even after eliminating Snapdragon support. Still, as Microsoft publishes titles on multiple platforms, it's clear the company hasn't abandoned hardware development.