More evidence of next-gen Xbox being a PC hybrid console shared by Microsoft

There have been numerous reports of the next Xbox console being a hybrid platform integrating console and PC gaming. Microsoft’s efforts towards the same were kicked off with the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld and Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) that allow users to access their entire game library across different stores. Now, developers are being handed improved tools to further this integration.

As per the 10-minute video posted on the Microsoft Game Dev YouTube channel talking about the October 2025 update for the Xbox Game Development Kit (Xbox GDK), Microsoft has added a few features to help developers prepare for the next generation Xbox. Key among them being GameInput, PlayFab Game Saves, Xbox Game Package Manager, and Cross-Platform Gaming Runtime.

GDK update for the next hybrid Xbox console

Starting with GameInput, the new API unifies the interface for different inputs like keyboard, mice, Xbox gamepad, and custom controllers. This helps developers use the same codebase to offer a more consistent keyboard and mouse experience across devices. Next, with PlayFab Game Saves update, games will be getting cross platform saves without the developers having to implement it within their individual games. Currently, there are a few games that offer cross progression between consoles and PC (Steam) but they have their own unique systems for it.

The update to Xbox Game Package Manager is meant to make it easier for developers to get Xbox Play Anywhere work seamlessly on Xbox and Xbox PC. Instead of several different steps and multiple possible points of failure, the unified interface should make the process smoother and faster. Lastly, the social features across platforms have got an upgrade as well thanks to Cross-Platform Gaming Runtime. This allows developers to integrate Xbox's social features for gamers on other platforms.

It should be noted that Microsoft does not explicitly state these updates are for a next-gen hybrid console. However, as Windows Central points out, these updates suggest at a more PC-like experience for the next Xbox, than ever before.