What exactly is the next gen Xbox? (Microsoft)New details about the next gen Xbox suggest it has more in common with Valves Steam Machines concept than a traditional console.The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially unveiled in January, but it is not the only next gen console on the horizon. Sony has only vaguely hinted at the PlayStation 6 so far, but they have mentioned it, while Microsoft has made it very plain that theyre working on a next gen Xbox and a handheld device.Recent rumours suggested that Microsoft is aiming for a 2026 release date and that Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is being prepared as a launch game although itll still be multiformat on current gen consoles and, presumably, the Switch 2.Theres no guarantee that information is correct, but a new source has commented on the rumour and added their own insight on exactly what the next gen Xbox is intended to be.According to Windows Central editor Jez Corden the next gen Xbox is more likely to be aiming for 2027, rather than 2026, and he insists that the idea that developers already have devkits (modified consoles used to create games) is not accurate.He doesnt claim to know anything about Call Of Duty, and whether the Modern Warfare 4 rumour is true, but he implies that the lack of devkits would not be a problem either way.Corden describes the next gen Xbox as a PC in essence but with a TV friendly shell that also has a specific set of specs in mind.So as long as a developer knows the specs in question, they can develop any game and know that it will work on the new Xbox.Although all modern Xbox and PlayStation consoles are essentially a PC in a box, what Cordens describing sounds more like Valves failed Steam Machines line of branded consoles.Coincidentally, or not, there have been recent rumours that Valve is considering making a new game console-like device but there was also the suggestion last year that Microsoft will allow other hardware manufacturers to make next gen Xbox consoles to their specifications which, again, sounds very similar to Steam Machines.Given the poor performance of the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, delegating hardware construction to other companies does make some sense, even if Microsoft is still likely to make its own models as well.More TrendingHowever, given the Steam Machines concept has already failed once its unclear why Microsoft thinks it will work this time, even with the Xbox branding.The only detail that Microsoft has offered about its new format is that it will provide the largest technical leap gaming has ever seen.That claim has caused plenty of scepticism already but its certainly hard to imagine it being true if the new console is designed around existing PC technology. Although some have predicted that the technical leap in question will be related to AI and not hardware.Whatevers going on, Microsoft would need to start talking about the new format in detail this year, if its aiming for a 2026 release, so if we dont hear anything official by this summer then that will suggest theyre aiming for 2027 or later. Where does Microsofts handheld plans come into this? (Valve/Microsoft/Metro)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy