Microsoft Xbox 'Magnus' launching with free online multiplayer plus Epic Games Store and Steam games support
Windows Central has offered new insights into the state of Microsoft's Xbox division and the company's plans for it going forward. To recap, the company has recently indicated that the next Xbox console will be first-party hardware, despite partnering with Asus to deliver the ROG Xbox Ally X and the cheaper ROG Xbox Ally (curr. $599 on Amazon).
Apparently, these two handhelds represent a taste of what is come to from the next Xbox console, rather than a dead end or a one-off. According to the website, Microsoft's Xbox Series S|X successors will be a PC in Xbox clothing. To that end, the next Xbox console is said to ship with a full Windows install adjusted to provide a console experience.
For context, one must still navigate through the usual Windows set-up process on the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X before accessing Microsoft's new Xbox Full Screen Experience, unlike on the Steam Deck or Legion Go S running SteamOS. Microsoft plans to change this for the next Xbox console, which will boot into the conventional Xbox out-of-the-box experience that ships on existing consoles.
Moreover, one never needs to leave the default console experience to play Xbox games, install updates or purchase new titles. The next Xbox will also retain backwards compatibility and will have the benefit of finally being able to play online multiplayer games without needing a paid subscription. However, Windows sits in the background to provide compatibility for third-party game launchers like GOG Galaxy, Epic Games Store or Steam.
Furthermore, one can access the full version of Windows as needed, too. Currently, Microsoft's next Xbox console is expected to ship with an AMD 3 nm chipset codenamed 'Magnus'. Pricing could be on the high side based on recent leaks, though.
Source(s)
Windows Central, Kamil Switalski & Unsplash - Image credits
