Last October, Windows Central’s Jez Corden reported Microsoft’s plans for the next Xbox to run “full bore” Windows, specifically the Full Screen Experience while retaining the current console onboarding. Those plans are still in play but we could be hearing about this in the coming months, potentially at GDC 2026 in March.
Corden recently noted that to properly accommodate the Windows 11 “Full Screen Experience” and Xbox PC app, there will reportedly be “major updates” to the latter. You’ll still be able to run Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles, which also means support for one’s existing library, while accessing Steam, Battle.net, and so on.
This transition to a more unified platform has been the crux of Microsoft’s marketing strategy as of late, particularly with the “This is an Xbox” campaign. However, the next Xbox could be on the expensive side, not only because of Xbox president Sarah Bond promising a “very premium, very high-end” device but because of escalating RAM costs. Recent rumors even claimed that we could see it and the PlayStation 6 delayed past their rumored 2027/2028 release windows.
That’s not even getting into further price increases for the Xbox Series X/S and PS5. If Microsoft’s plans are indeed pushed forward, it will certainly have enough time to convince developers of its new PC-focused strategy.
