Next Xbox console rumored to be a Windows PC, but Microsoft could debut other hardware in 2026

Microsoft has teamed up with AMD to release a new Xbox console as early as 2027. Still, it’s unclear if it will take the form of a PC or a more familiar gaming system. In a new Windows Central article, Jez Corden offered hints about what fans can expect. Also, the next console may be a few years away, but buyers could see new Xbox hardware in 2026.

Some critics believe that Microsoft’s OS will never replicate the couch-friendly nature of the PS5 or Series X. Nevertheless, Corden says that the “next Xbox will run full bore Windows.”

The company has already introduced the Xbox Full Screen Experience to gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally. Yet the insider explains that Microsoft recognizes there is more work to be done. The transition from the Windows desktop could be smoother, which is why it’s “working on major updates to the Xbox PC app.”

Microsoft faces other challenges with an Xbox PC

Whether Microsoft can make enough improvements to court console users is debatable. Backward compatibility with console-exclusive games is another issue. PC users can’t boot many of these titles without relying on cloud gaming. Corden claims solving this problem is a priority before the next Xbox console arrives. Emulation is one option, but a hardware-level approach is another possibility.

The new hybrid machine might not surface for several years. Despite struggles with some existing Microsoft hardware, the manufacturer still has other products in the works. The article references a new accessory, likely called the Elite Series 3. Before 2026 ends, the controller may arrive with one of its focuses on reducing latency during streaming.

Corden also doesn’t rule out another OEM device with Xbox branding shipping. He has heard unconfirmed reports of an Xbox PC in development with a conventional appearance. Even today, insiders can test the full-screen experience on custom or prebuilt desktops and laptops.