Asus ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X to Start Pre-Orders in August, Launch in October – Rumour A new report indicates that the ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at around €599, while the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X will cost €899. Posted By Joelle Daniels | On 16th, Jun. 2025 While Microsoft and Asus have unveiled the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming systems, the companies have yet to confirm the prices or release dates for the two systems. While the announcement  mentioned that they will be launched later this year, a new report, courtesy of leaker Extas1s, indicates that pre-orders for both devices will be kicked off in August, with the launch then happening in October. As noted by Extas1s, the lower-powered ROG Xbox Ally is expected to be priced around €599. The leaker claims to have corroborated the pricing details for the handheld with two different Europe-based retailers. The more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, is expected to be priced at €899. This would put its pricing in line with Asus’s own ROG Ally X. Previously, Asus senior manager of marketing content for gaming, Whitson Gordon, had revealed that pricing and power use were the two biggest reasons why both the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X didn’t feature OLED displays. Rather, both systems will come equipped with 7-inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD displays with variable refresh rate capabilities. “We did some R&D and prototyping with OLED, but it’s still not where we want it to be when you factor VRR into the mix and we aren’t willing to give up VRR,” said Gordon. “I’ll draw that line in the sand right now. I am of the opinion that if a display doesn’t have variable refresh rate, it’s not a gaming display in the year 2025 as far as I’m concerned, right? That’s a must-have feature, and OLED with VRR right now draws significantly more power than the LCD that we’re currently using on the Ally and it costs more.” Explaining further that the decision ultimately also came down to keeping the pricing for both systems at reasonable levels, since buyers often tend to get handheld gaming systems as their secondary machiens, Gordon noted that both handhelds would have much higher price tags if OLED displays were used. “That’s all I’ll say about price,” said Gordon. “You have to align your expectations with the market and what we’re doing here. Adding 32GB, OLED, Z2 Extreme, and all of those extra bells and whistles would cost a lot more than the price bracket you guys are used to on the Ally, and the vast majority of users are not willing to pay that kind of price.” Shortly after its announcement, Microsoft and Asus had released a video where the two companies spoke about the various features of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. In the video, we also get to see an early hardware prototype of the handheld gaming system built inside a cardboard box. The ROG Xbox Ally runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2A chip, and has 16 GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and 512 GB of storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X, on the other hand, runs on an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, and has 24 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and 1 TB of storage. Both systems run on Windows. Tagged With: Elden Ring: Nightreign Publisher:Bandai Namco Developer:FromSoftware Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox One, PCView More FBC: Firebreak Publisher:Remedy Entertainment Developer:Remedy Entertainment Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PCView More Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Publisher:Sony Developer:Kojima Productions Platforms:PS5View More Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out! Summer Game Fest 2025 Saw 89 Percent Growth in Live Concurrent Viewership Since Last Year This year's Summer Game Fest has been the most successful one so far, with around 1.5 million live viewers on ... Asus ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X to Start Pre-Orders in August, Launch in October – Rumour A new report indicates that the ROG Xbox Ally will be priced at around €599, while the more powerful ROG Xbo... Borderlands 4 Gets New Video Explaining the Process of Creating Vault Hunters According to the development team behind Borderlands 4, the creation of Vault Hunters is a studio-wide collabo... The Witcher 4 Team is Tapping Into the “Good Creative Chaos” From The Witcher 3’s Development Narrative director Philipp Weber says there are "new questions we want to answer because this is supposed to f... The Witcher 4 is Opting for “Console-First Development” to Ensure 60 FPS, Says VP of Tech However, CD Projekt RED's Charles Tremblay says 60 frames per second will be "extremely challenging" on the Xb... Red Dead Redemption Voice Actor Teases “Exciting News” for This Week Actor Rob Wiethoff teases an announcement, potentially the rumored release of Red Dead Redemption 2 on Xbox Se... View More

Key Takeaways Next Xbox Could Run Windows: A reliable leak suggests Microsoft is working on an Xbox that runs a custom Windows build with Steam support and full backward compatibility. Steam and Xbox Already Work Well Together: Xbox controllers dominate on Steam, and Microsoft continues releasing more games on the platform. Best-in-Class Backward Compatibility: Xbox Series X supports four console generations. A Windows-based Xbox could make this even more straightforward. A Strategic Shift to Stay Competitive: With PlayStation ahead, Microsoft may bet on openness, merging PC and console ecosystems to regain ground. In the never-ending console wars, it looks like Microsoft might be gearing up to throw out the rulebook – and maybe the whole library too.  According to reports, the next-generation Xbox could run a custom version of Windows, support Steam, and offer full backward compatibility.  That’s not just an upgrade. That’s a potential identity crisis. Or maybe, it’s a long-overdue evolution. Why This Isn’t Just Another Rumor First, let’s get this straight. This isn’t a random internet fantasy or Reddit wishlisting.  The source of these claims is a Spanish leaker known as eXtas1s, with a decent track record with Xbox-related news.  In a recent YouTube video, he claimed that Microsoft is working on a new Xbox console that would run a modified version of Windows, support PC storefronts like Steam, and offer full backward compatibility. The details were later summarized in English on ResetEra by a user named P40L0, helping the rumor spread across the broader gaming community.  Even possibly including a dedicated ‘Xbox mode’ launcher on top of Windows.  While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed any of this (and probably won’t anytime soon), it certainly makes sense when you look at the direction Xbox has been heading.  Xbox is no longer just a piece of hardware. It’s Game Pass. It’s cloud gaming. It’s the Xbox app on your PC. So when someone says the next Xbox might just be a living room-friendly Windows PC, the real surprise isn’t the rumor – it’s that it hasn’t already happened. Steam on Xbox? Why Not – They Already Share a Bed Now let’s talk about Steam.  Valve and Microsoft used to be slightly cold toward each other, especially when Windows 8 tried to become a walled garden. But now? They’re practically roommates.  Steam runs perfectly on Windows. Microsoft has been adding more and more games to Steam. The Xbox controller is the go-to option for most Steam players. In some cases, Microsoft even allows you to link your Xbox and Steam accounts.  Source: Xbox And let’s be honest: the Microsoft Store is… not great. Steam is where PC gamers live. Supporting Steam on the next Xbox might be less about generosity and more about pragmatism.  If you can’t beat Valve, join them – and maybe use their massive user base to prop up your console. Backward Compatibility: Microsoft’s Underrated Power Move The Xbox Series X is hands-down the most backward-compatible console on the market. It supports games from four generations – Original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Series X|S.  Source: Xbox.  You can play Knights of the Old Republic, Fable II, or Gears of War 3 without paying for a remake or subscription.  Just insert the disc or download your old digital copy, and you’re good to go. Many older titles look and run better, thanks to features like Auto HDR, higher resolutions, and faster load times. It’s not just support – it’s enhancement. This kind of access is rare. Sony’s PS5 doesn’t support PS3 discs at all. And Nintendo locks most of its classic library behind paid online services.  Microsoft, by contrast, is preserving its gaming legacy in a way that respects the player. If the next Xbox runs Windows and supports Steam, backward compatibility could surpass consoles. You could run your entire game library across decades and platforms with no emulators, just Windows doing what it does best. That’s more than a feature. It’s a reason to stick with Xbox. Or to finally switch.  Is This About PlayStation? Of Course it is Let’s not pretend this is happening in a vacuum.  The PlayStation 5 is dominating this console generation. Sony’s strategy has been aggressive and, frankly, smart. Exclusive titles. Strong global brand. A focus on cinematic single-player experiences that people want to play.  Microsoft tried to play the subscription game with Game Pass. It was a great idea, and it still is – but it hasn’t closed the gap.  And then came the Activision Blizzard acquisition. That was supposed to be a game-changer. Instead, it turned into a regulatory circus and has yet to deliver a big shift in momentum.  Call of Duty is still on PlayStation. Diablo IV didn’t launch as a Game Pass exclusive. So what does Microsoft do when it’s behind? It opens up. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has flipped the script. It open-sourced .NET, embraced Linux, and made Visual Studio Code free. The message behind these moves? We’re not the old Microsoft anymore — we’re the cool one now. Now, that same logic might apply to Xbox.  If people aren’t buying the Xbox for its exclusives, give them a reason to buy it for everything else. Steam, Windows, emulation, mods – these are things gamers want but don’t get from traditional consoles. The Console That Isn’t a Console Imagine a box under your TV that runs Windows, plays Steam games, runs emulators, supports Xbox Game Pass, and doesn’t care where your games come from.  Call it an Xbox, call it a PC, call it ‘Xbox Fusion’ or whatever marketing comes up with. But that’s not a console in the traditional sense – that’s a lifestyle device. And before you laugh at that phrase, remember the Steam Deck? That thing is a handheld Linux PC. People jailbreak it. They install Game Pass on it. They use it to emulate Nintendo games. Valve leaned into that openness, and it worked. If Valve could do it with a $399 handheld, why can’t Microsoft do it with a $499 living room console?  It’s About Ecosystem, Not Exclusives Once upon a time, consoles lived and died by their exclusives.  But Microsoft isn’t trying to sell you a box. It’s trying to sell you into an ecosystem. Game Pass. Xbox Live. Cloud saves. Achievements. Cross-play. Even the Xbox app on your phone. By turning the Xbox into a Windows-powered hybrid, they make it easier to say: ‘You’re already in the Xbox world. You just didn’t know it yet.’ But Will People Buy it? Here’s the catch: People who want a Windows gaming box… already own one. It’s called a PC.  Source: Unsplash.  So the next Xbox must do something a regular gaming PC doesn’t.  It needs to be plug-and-play. It needs to be cheap. It needs to be quiet, reliable, and hassle-free. No driver updates. No BIOS settings. No random crashes because Steam updated, and your mod loader broke.  If Microsoft can pull that off and make a gaming PC that feels like a console, they might not win the generation, but they’ll win back a lot of goodwill. And maybe even some market share.  What This Means for the Industry If the next Xbox truly embraces Windows and Steam, the lines between consoles and PCs will blur even further.  Sony will feel the pressure. Nintendo probably won’t care. But developers? They’ll love it. One build to rule them all, with less fragmentation and more options.  And if Xbox supports things like mouse and keyboard, mods, or even side-loading apps, it could become the best place to play, not because it’s a walled garden, but because it isn’t. Xbox Needs a Bold Move – This Might Be It The console wars are no longer just about graphics or frame rates. They’re about ecosystems. Microsoft tried going all-in on subscriptions, and it helped, but it wasn’t enough. So now, it’s pivoting again. Steam support. Windows under the hood. Full backward compatibility. It sounds wild. But it also sounds like the kind of disruption the gaming industry needs. Don’t be surprised if the next Xbox is a Trojan horse PC for your living room. Microsoft’s been training this horse for years.  Anya Zhukova is an in-house tech and crypto writer at Techreport with 10 years of hands-on experience covering cybersecurity, consumer tech, digital privacy, and blockchain. She’s known for turning complex topics into clear, useful advice that regular people can actually understand and use.  Her work has been featured in top-tier digital publications including MakeUseOf, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, Switching to Mac, and Make Tech Easier. Whether she’s writing about the latest privacy tools or reviewing a new laptop, her goal is always the same: help readers feel confident and in control of the tech they use every day.  Anya holds a BA in English Philology and Translation from Tula State Pedagogical University and also studied Mass Media and Journalism at Minnesota State University, Mankato. That mix of language, media, and tech has given her a unique lens to look at how technology shapes our daily lives.  Over the years, she’s also taken courses and done research in data privacy, digital security, and ethical writing – skills she uses when tackling sensitive topics like PC hardware, system vulnerabilities, and crypto security.  Anya worked directly with brands like Framework, Insta360, Redmagic, Inmotion, Secretlab, Kodak, and Anker, reviewing their products in real-life scenarios. Her testing process involves real-world use cases – whether it's stress-testing laptops for creative workloads, reviewing the battery performance of mobile gaming phones, or evaluating the long-term ergonomics of furniture designed for hybrid workspaces.  In the world of crypto, Anya covers everything from beginner guides to deep dives into hardware wallets, DeFi protocols, and Web3 tools. She helps readers understand how to use multisig wallets, keep their assets safe, and choose the right platforms for their needs.  Her writing often touches on financial freedom and privacy – two things she strongly believes should be in everyone’s hands. Outside of writing, Anya contributes to editorial style guides focused on privacy and inclusivity, and she mentors newer tech writers on how to build subject matter expertise and write responsibly.  She sticks to high editorial standards, only recommends products she’s personally tested, and always aims to give readers the full picture.  You can find her on LinkedIn, where she shares more about her work and projects.  Key Areas of Expertise: Consumer Tech (laptops, phones, wearables, etc.) Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy PC/PC Hardware Blockchain, Crypto Wallets, and DeFi In-Depth Product Reviews and Buying Guides Whether she’s reviewing a new wallet or benchmarking a PC build, Anya brings curiosity, care, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything she writes. Her mission? To make the digital world a little easier – and safer – for everyone.  View all articles by Anya Zhukova Our editorial process The Tech Report editorial policy is centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written by real authors.

P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy Here's the summary of latest eXtas1s' direct about verified rumors and leaks from his sources: Steam/Epic Integration into Microsoft Store A new app called "Steam DF Beta" has appeared in the Windows Microsoft Store, allowing users to install Steam directly from the official store. The Epic Games Store is already integrated in the same way. This doesn't mean current Xbox consoles (Series X/S, One) will natively run Steam, but that Windows (and future Windows-based Xboxes) will offer an easier download/install experience. Future "Console-Like" Shell on Windows Microsoft is developing a compatibility layer or "shell" to give Windows a console-like interface (similar to Steam's Big Picture mode), suitable for both PC gaming and next‑gen Xbox systems.Xbox Emulation on PC An Xbox emulator for Windows (x64 architecture) is in development, allowing users to play their Xbox library on PC by emulating the console rather than running native PC ports of the games. Saves and achievements will remain separate between Steam, Microsoft Store/Xbox and will not sync automatically. Backward Compatibility and "Pass‑Through" Titles There are no plans to add new backward‑compatible games beyond what's already available, but the emulator work will let the entire Xbox library run on PC.Evolution of Game Pass Game Pass (including PC Game Pass and Ultimate) will remain a strategic cornerstone and will not be discontinued. New tiers are coming: cloud‑only, ad‑supported, PC‑only, Ultimate, etc. A price restructuring is imminent, likely raising fees—especially for the PC tier. Handling Rumors and Q&A The creator explains their approach: freely discuss rumors ("fun speculation") but clearly flag when something isn't confirmed 100%. They answer questions on topics such as: Transferring Xbox libraries to new consoles ("Phil Spencer confirmed yes") Whether online emulation will require subscriptions (probably not, but unclear) Third‑party titles and new COD at the next showcase (expected to appear) Buying on Steam vs. Microsoft Store (personal preference for Steam) Apparently what I suspected 1 year ago is actually coming true. What do you think? UPDATE: Jez Corden mostly corroborated this  Last edited: Yesterday at 1:42 PM VIPER Member Nov 12, 2023 1,408 Interesting strategy. This is just a PC in a box. In the interest of balance all developers need to have controller only lobbies in their multiplayer games.  Sabin Member Oct 25, 2017 6,097 I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve.   Wrexis Member Nov 4, 2017 29,387 Steam's login count would double overnight with this I guess.   --R Being sued right now, please help me find a lawyer Member Oct 25, 2017 15,548 I don't believe the emulation part would have "the entire Xbox library" running on PC. It's not doable.   Maelstrom Member Apr 22, 2025 138 Sabin said: I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve. Click to expand... Click to shrink... I mean if true, who cares? I can tell you who doesn't, it's Microsoft. Unless Steam titles will be selective, meaning you can buy THPS on Steam or MS store, or EGS. But if it's full Steam (haha) ahead with just being a PC, then fuck it, let them have it a PC.  texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,439 Indonesia No manual app install? GOG, Uplay, and Origin be like:   T0kenAussie Member Jan 15, 2020 6,019 This is the common sense endpoint for Microsoft's gaming venture Just like Nintendo merged handheld and console to make the switch. Microsoft merging the best parts of Pc and console while also allowing your library to live forever on pc is the best outcome for everyone  OP OP P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy --R said: I don't believe the emulation part would have "the entire Xbox library" running on PC. It's not doable. Click to expand... Click to shrink... For the entire Xbox library he means current XSX|XSS library and what's currently emulated/BC   T0kenAussie Member Jan 15, 2020 6,019 Maelstrom said: I mean if true, who cares? I can tell you who doesn't, it's Microsoft. Unless Steam titles will be selective, meaning you can buy THPS on Steam or MS store, or EGS. But if it's full Steam (haha) ahead with just being a PC, then fuck it, let them have it a PC. Click to expand... Click to shrink... If the Xbox is basically a fisher price "babies first gaming pc" i can see that maintaining a market tbh   bob1001 ▲ Legend ▲ Member May 7, 2020 2,107 Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I feel like the end result here is something that is too far away from a console to appeal to the console guys, and too far away from a PC to appeal to the PC guys. Just occupying this awkward middle ground niche.   Santar Member Oct 27, 2017 7,132 Norway --R said: I don't believe the emulation part would have "the entire Xbox library" running on PC. It's not doable. Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's probably just the games that are currently playable on the xbox series.   --R Being sued right now, please help me find a lawyer Member Oct 25, 2017 15,548 P40L0 said: For the entire Xbox library he means current XSX|XSS library and what's currently emulated/BC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I know. You still have to develop official Xbox One and Xbox Series emulators that have 100% compatibility. Not doable, and since extas1s has been way below a 50/50 recently I don't believe it.   T0kenAussie Member Jan 15, 2020 6,019 P40L0 said: For the entire Xbox library he means current XSX|XSS library and what's currently emulated/BC Click to expand... Click to shrink... I wonder if ~~r is talking about licensing because Microsoft would have to make a preeeetty big legal shenanigans to say that PCs are indeed Xbox's if they just allowed anyone to emulate the Xbox environment on pc and endorsed it   Bardeh Member Jun 15, 2018 3,840 If they can get the software down, this has the potential to be something that I would really, really love. That's a HUGE 'if' though.   Dust C H A O S Member Oct 25, 2017 41,030 Sounds about what people expected. A pricey HW with Windows that is mostly there just as an Xbox branded option on the HW marker.   Soap Member Oct 27, 2017 18,924 T0kenAussie said: This is the common sense endpoint for Microsoft's gaming venture Just like Nintendo merged handheld and console to make the switch. Microsoft merging the best parts of Pc and console while also allowing your library to live forever on pc is the best outcome for everyone Click to expand... Click to shrink... Certaily a good thing for me if it happens, but is it really good for MS? It seems like this would kill any xbox console unless the price to power ratio was vastly better than just building/buying a PC.   --R Being sued right now, please help me find a lawyer Member Oct 25, 2017 15,548 T0kenAussie said: I wonder if ~~r is talking about licensing because Microsoft would have to make a preeeetty big legal shenanigans to say that PCs are indeed Xbox's if they just allowed anyone to emulate the Xbox environment on pc and endorsed it Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's one part of my argument, yes. The other one is, simply, performance. I can see a 360 emulator working performance-wise, but this becomes way harder as you go up to One and Series. You require a lot more juice if you try to emulate a Series X.   brenobnfm Member Sep 28, 2019 2,666 Guess they gave up on fighting Steam with the Microsoft Store and will instead prevent any Steam OS takeover over Windows for PC gaming on a broader level, seems reasonable and even late that they're finally leveraging Windows.   Footos22 Member Oct 25, 2017 4,122 Killing their 30% on third party games for the cheaper steam option sure feels like a good way to fuck your whole business up. Don't believe this for a second.   MANTRA Member Feb 21, 2024 1,136 I actually think this is a fantastic path for Microsoft and could be huge if they pull it off.   Dega Member Oct 25, 2017 8,464 I'd be interested   OP OP P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy --R said: It's one part of my argument, yes. The other one is, simply, performance. I can see a 360 emulator working performance-wise, but this becomes way harder as you go up to One and Series. You require a lot more juice if you try to emulate a Series X. Click to expand... Click to shrink... They also talk about the "biggest performance leap" they ever had from gen to gen too (possible switch to NVIDIA? don't know)   Game Fan Member Oct 25, 2017 1,208 Brazil Steam + Xbox + quick resume + Game Pass in a box under the TV. Sign me in.   Mivey Member Oct 25, 2017 20,652 Sabin said: I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve. Click to expand... Click to shrink... This is MS, so they could probably negotiate an even smaller percentage (if they can deliver enough unit sales, and if they can't they have bigger problems anyway)   oni-link tag reference no one gets Member Oct 25, 2017 17,359 UK So I'd be able to get PS exclusives on my new Xbox from Steam, and use Game Pass, and also have Steam on my Xbox as well for indies/other games, vs the PS6 with no Game Pass and no Steam, but with MS first party games? That's interesting  Justsomeguy Member Oct 27, 2017 1,786 UK bob1001 said: Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I feel like the end result here is something that is too far away from a console to appeal to the console guys, and too far away from a PC to appeal to the PC guys. Just occupying this awkward middle ground niche. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Steam machine vibes   Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 27,689 bob1001 said: something that is too far away from a console to appeal to the console guys Click to expand... Click to shrink... I don't see why this would be a concern. It seems like it can still be used as a console if that's what you want (presumably the Xbox layer + emulation will basically just make it into a console and you can ignore the non-console stuff if you want).   BasilZero Member Oct 25, 2017 39,966 Omni I'll get it if b/c is there.   --R Being sued right now, please help me find a lawyer Member Oct 25, 2017 15,548 P40L0 said: They also talk about the "biggest performance leap" they ever had from gen to gen too (possible switch to NVIDIA? don't know) Click to expand... Click to shrink... Unless they've found a way to timetravel and they're pulling hardware years from now into our timeline there is no way they're gonna emulate a Series X. I think extas1s is talking out of his ass again.   Toddhunter Member Feb 22, 2025 509 Sabin said: I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Or just make a better business deal. Anyway owning the box under the tv was always the aim, so I doubt they'd care much about gaming if they could do it. Much better to sell tv show deals.  Mr Evil 37 Member Mar 7, 2022 27,689 T0kenAussie said: I wonder if ~~r is talking about licensing because Microsoft would have to make a preeeetty big legal shenanigans to say that PCs are indeed Xbox's if they just allowed anyone to emulate the Xbox environment on pc and endorsed it Click to expand... Click to shrink... Maybe they wrote this into all of their licensing deals over the last X years if they knew they were heading in this direction.   andymoogle Member Oct 27, 2017 3,307 --R said: It's one part of my argument, yes. The other one is, simply, performance. I can see a 360 emulator working performance-wise, but this becomes way harder as you go up to One and Series. You require a lot more juice if you try to emulate a Series X. Click to expand... Click to shrink... It's all running variants of DirectX. There is no way they would need to bruteforce it as regular software emulation.   Copilot Member Jun 27, 2023 1,336 Sabin said: I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Those machines should be profitable out of box (likely 20% or more profit margins). Steam is already on Windows and Xbox PC still growing (+45% YoY).  Flame Lord Member Oct 26, 2017 3,773 Sabin said: I highly doubt that. If everyone would just use steam on XBOX Next MS would have to pay 20 to 30% of every transaction made to Valve. Click to expand... Click to shrink... They wouldn't pay anymore to Steam than they already do on PC. Presumably this isn't going to be taking a loss like consoles usually do so that won't be as big a deal.  texhnolyze Shinra Employee Member Oct 25, 2017 26,439 Indonesia bob1001 said: Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I feel like the end result here is something that is too far away from a console to appeal to the console guys, and too far away from a PC to appeal to the PC guys. Just occupying this awkward middle ground niche. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Yeah, this doesn't interest me at all. A PC without modding capabilities is not a PC. That's like missing the whole point of PC gaming to me.   brenobnfm Member Sep 28, 2019 2,666 I just hope any of the Xbox BC isn't cloud bullshit like PS3 on PS5, if that's the case better keep a Series X for these purposes. bob1001 said: Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but I feel like the end result here is something that is too far away from a console to appeal to the console guys, and too far away from a PC to appeal to the PC guys. Just occupying this awkward middle ground niche. Click to expand... Click to shrink... It'll keep being just a Xbox for those who wants it? Especially if still has a disc drive (even if it's optional).  WhoaIsThatMars Member Oct 25, 2017 2,711 湘南 VIPER said: This is just a PC in a box. Click to expand... Click to shrink... A PC is an Xbox so it's just an Xbox in a box!  OP OP P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy oni-link said: So I'd be able to get PS exclusives on my new Xbox from Steam, and use Game Pass, and also have Steam on my Xbox as well for indies/other games, vs the PS6 with no Game Pass and no Steam, but with MS Exclusives? That's interesting Click to expand... Click to shrink... Basically, yeah. I think the biggest part in all this is nailing down the "console user experience" which currently Windows 11 still do not offer. If they will create a good new shell on boot instead of Desktop and mimic the current Xbox Dashboard experience (also for managing OS/Drivers/Game updates in a centralized way and in the background) as much as possible it could really open a new market of devices (with the portable Xbox directly rivalling Switch 2 and Deck and the bigger, more powerful variant rivaling PS6 or even being a more user friendly and compact alternative to build and put a monster PC under the TV). They could even open for other OEMs doing beefier, more premium or more economical variants of these new "consoles" as well.  OP OP P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy brenobnfm said: I just hope any of the Xbox BC isn't cloud bullshit like PS3 on PS5, if that's the case better keep a Series X for these purposes. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Nope, native offline emulation it seems   Zutroy Member Oct 25, 2017 1,682 It would depend on the limitations of it, and the implementation, however full console experience with being able to get access to cheap game keys for Steam and free giveaways that Epic always does is an attractive proposition.   brenobnfm Member Sep 28, 2019 2,666 P40L0 said: Nope, native offline emulation it seems Click to expand... Click to shrink... Awesome.  OP OP P40L0 Member Jun 12, 2018 9,588 Italy --R said: Unless they've found a way to timetravel and they're pulling hardware years from now into our timeline there is no way they're gonna emulate a Series X. I think extas1s is talking out of his ass again. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Which are the XSX console-exclusive games not natively available on PC anyway? I think the last ones were from Xbox One?  Maelstrom Member Apr 22, 2025 138 T0kenAussie said: If the Xbox is basically a fisher price "babies first gaming pc" i can see that maintaining a market tbh Click to expand... Click to shrink... Well that's their problem not yours. Maybe they don't want to do that and just trying to keep the existing customers on board.  Paper Wario ▲ Legend ▲ Member Oct 27, 2017 3,146 Some other recent eXtas1s rumor threads: eXtas1s sources say one function of the C button on Switch 2 is you can use the Switch 1 as a controller and/or screen for Switch 2 games Gears Of War E-Day scheduled for a 2026 release - Gears Collection to be announced in June for PC/XSX/PS5 Tony Hawk 3+4 will be shadow dropped for PC, Xbox Series SIX and PS5 during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase Gears of War Trilogy Collection will be announced as multiplatform, day one on PS5, remasters of all 3 games, crossplay between PS5/Xbox/PC Activision's Call of Duty: World at War and Singularity will arrive on Xbox Game Pass in May   T0kenAussie Member Jan 15, 2020 6,019 --R said: It's one part of my argument, yes. The other one is, simply, performance. I can see a 360 emulator working performance-wise, but this becomes way harder as you go up to One and Series. You require a lot more juice if you try to emulate a Series X. Click to expand... Click to shrink... Imo they probably take a middle ground and emulate a series s. The main thing it would be used for is establishing a pathways for bc games to live with your accounts on the Microsoft store Licensing is the real devil in the details I assume the last gen and this gen games would have wording in it about "Xbox devices and platforms" but the 360 and og catalogs wouldn't which makes me go hmmm at the full bc libraries being emulatable on a pc with no issues  Egida Member Oct 27, 2017 4,741 Sounds too good to be true, provided they can get a price and potency similar to the next Playstation, and if it has free online, it could really make me consider abandoning ps ecosystem.   --R Being sued right now, please help me find a lawyer Member Oct 25, 2017 15,548 P40L0 said: Which are the XSX console-exclusive games not natively available on PC anyway? I think the last ones were from Xbox One? Click to expand... Click to shrink... Your post literally says "An Xbox emulator for Windows (x64 architecture) is in development, allowing users to play their Xbox library on PC by emulating the console rather than running native PC ports of the games." T0kenAussie said: Imo they probably take a middle ground and emulate a series s. The main thing it would be used for is establishing a pathways for bc games to live with your accounts on the Microsoft store Licensing is the real devil in the details I assume the last gen and this gen games would have wording in it about "Xbox devices and platforms" but the 360 and og catalogs wouldn't which makes me go hmmm at the full bc libraries being emulatable on a pc with no issues Click to expand... Click to shrink... For real. I don't see how some of the third parties that agreed to bring the games back on BC would like to suddenly be on PC. That, or how would disc-only BC games work, because those still exist and they'd definitely not work. And now that I write this, yeah, how would disc-based games work on this?  Ruu Member Oct 28, 2017 1,310 My prediction before the Series X was announced was pretty much exactly this, guess I was just off by a generation. For real though, I think this is the only way I'd be interested in a new Xbox console. With all their games being everywhere there isn't much a reason I'd need an xbox. But if its basically a consolized PC I could see that being potentially worth it assuming its not like $1000. Though even then... A $1000 gaming pc might not be too bad. Basically I'd rather pay a lot for a pc than a dedicated console.   oni-link tag reference no one gets Member Oct 25, 2017 17,359 UK Paper Wario said: Some other recent eXtas1s rumor threads: eXtas1s sources say one function of the C button on Switch 2 is you can use the Switch 1 as a controller and/or screen for Switch 2 games Gears Of War E-Day scheduled for a 2026 release - Gears Collection to be announced in June for PC/XSX/PS5 Tony Hawk 3+4 will be shadow dropped for PC, Xbox Series SIX and PS5 during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase Gears of War Trilogy Collection will be announced as multiplatform, day one on PS5, remasters of all 3 games, crossplay between PS5/Xbox/PC Activision's Call of Duty: World at War and Singularity will arrive on Xbox Game Pass in May Click to expand... Click to shrink... Have they gotten anything right? Are they always wrong or just wrong half the time? Lol 

Next gen Xbox could remove backwards compatibility and add PS5 games says report GameCentral Published May 21, 2025 1:10am Xbox’s next gen plans are an enigma (Valve/Microsoft/Metro) New details about the next gen Xbox console suggest it will focus on support for Steam and Epic Games Store, potentially bringing Sony first party titles to Xbox. Although Microsoft has announced the next gen Xbox, and strongly implied that at least one model will be portable, there’s no concrete official information about it so far. It’s also very hard to guess what form it might take, given how poorly the Xbox Series X/S has sold and how much Microsoft has begun to focus on Game Pass and multiformat support recently. However, In recent days multiple sources have begun talking about the console supporting both Steam and Epic Games Store, implying that the new Xbox will be even more of a ‘PC in a box’ than usual. Something that should, in theory, allow PlayStation 5 games onto Xbox via the back door. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has talked about the idea of adding Epic Games Store and Steam to Xbox consoles before, although nothing has ever come of it. Nevertheless, Windows Central editor Jez Corden claims that Microsoft has been in contact with Valve and that testing of Steam on Xbox may already have begun. Although making the next gen Xbox console a PC makes sense on some levels (despite it sounding very similar to Valve’s failed Steam Machines concept) anything bought on Steam or Epic Game Stores means a cut of the money going to those companies – 30% in the case of Steam. Not only does that mean less money for Microsoft but it disincentives developers from making native Xbox versions of their games, since the PC version will already be compatible with the new Xbox hardware. These are major changes to the Xbox ecosystem but Corden also raises the possibility that in order to improve Windows compatibility, Microsoft is considering dropping backwards compatibility with older Xbox games. That seems like a public relations nightmare, but according to Corden the Microsoft document he saw, which suggested the possibility, is ‘a few years old’ and the idea may already have been dropped – although it’s certainly interesting that it was ever considered. Recent job ads seem to imply that Microsoft is still pushing for full backwards, and forwards, compatibility for Xbox consoles, while information from leaker eXtas1s suggests that cross-compatibility is still a big priority for Microsoft. More Trending Although eXtas1s’ track record is far from spotless, his information broadly matches with that of Corden, along with mention of Xbox emulation on PC and new tiers for Game Pass, including cloud-only and ad-supported options. He also claims that price rises are likely, particularly on PC. A next gen Xbox that is essentially a PC masquerading as a console does seem a logical move for Microsoft, and yet neither of these reports address the one concrete detail Microsoft has provided so far, that the new format will feature the ‘largest technical leap you’ve ever seen in a hardware generation.’ That has always seemed extremely unlikely, given the increasingly small improvement in graphics each generation, with the only explanation that seems to make any sense being something to do with AI – even though Microsoft’s attempts to extol the virtues of the technology, in regards to video games, has so far gone down poorly. It’s possible that they consider the integration of Xbox and Windows 11 support to be a technological leap but it’s not clear that ordinary gamers will be excited about the prospect or that its benefits will be obvious to mainstream customers. The next gen Xbox is currently a mystery (Microsoft) Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. GameCentral Sign 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

Rumor mill: Leaks, rumors, and comments from Microsoft over the past few years have fueled speculation that the company is fundamentally changing its console strategy. If the latest information is accurate, the next Xbox could essentially be a Windows PC with a console-style user interface that runs older Xbox games through emulation. A most recent leak outlines Microsoft's alleged plans to launch a console-like front end for Windows, allowing users to install Steam via the Microsoft Store, and release an Xbox emulator for PC. While some details align with previous rumors, readers should take the information with a sizable grain of salt. Although the video below is in Spanish from leaker eXtas1s, a translated summary by ResetEra user "P40L0" describes a console-style overlay for Windows. Similar to Steam's Big Picture mode or the SteamOS interface, the new UI would support both PC gaming and the next-generation Xbox. This entire concept ties kind of perfectly into Microsoft's long-standing goal of improving the Windows experience on handheld gaming PCs – if that's ultimately a path the company chooses to pursue. The controller-friendly interface in SteamOS makes the Steam Deck significantly more user-friendly than more powerful Windows devices like the Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft reportedly plans to address this gap sometime this year. A leaked collaboration between Microsoft and Asus could be the first step toward introducing an Xbox-style UI for Windows. Additionally, eXtas1s claims that Microsoft is internally testing a Steam installer accessible through the Microsoft Store. The launcher, titled "Steam DF Beta," is not intended for current Xbox consoles but rather for Windows, similar to the existing Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect apps available on the platform. The information might be connected to supposedly revamped Xbox app for Windows featuring a Steam filter. Combined with mockups of an upcoming Asus handheld, the leak suggests Microsoft is aiming to integrate Steam more seamlessly into the Windows UI, creating a more console-like experience for users. Microsoft is also reportedly developing an emulator for Windows that supports the entire Xbox back catalog. If the next Xbox functions as a Windows PC with a gamepad-friendly interface, this emulation-based backward compatibility would allow users to carry over their existing Xbox libraries. // Related Stories Furthermore, Game Pass is expected to remain a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. However, the company may soon raise prices on existing console and PC tiers while introducing new, more affordable options.