Microsoft confirms next-gen Xbox console with AMD partnership, multi-store support
Microsoft announced today that its next-generation Xbox console will feature AMD silicon and won’t be restricted to a single game store, marking a significant shift in the company’s gaming strategy. Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed the development in a YouTube video, promising “an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device.”The tech giant has established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across multiple gaming devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles for both living rooms and handheld gaming. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced graphics innovation and AI-enhanced gameplay while maintaining full compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries.
Xbox breaks free from console-only gaming model
Bond emphasized that Microsoft’s vision centers on creating a gaming platform that follows players across all devices. The announcement comes days after Microsoft revealed its partnership with Asus to launch Xbox Ally handheld devices featuring a new full-screen Xbox experience running on Windows. This Windows-based approach allows access to multiple game stores, including Steam, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to platform openness.
“This is all about building a gaming platform that’s always with you, so you can play the games you want across devices anywhere you want,” Bond stated. The company is working closely with its Windows team to position Windows as the premier gaming platform, supporting multiple storefronts and device types.
Next-gen Xbox to preserve entire game library
Microsoft has confirmed that next-generation Xbox consoles will maintain full backward compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries, addressing concerns raised after the Xbox Ally announcement. Unlike the Windows-based Xbox Ally devices, which can only run Xbox games with PC counterparts, the next-gen consoles will support the entire Xbox catalog.The partnership with AMD will focus on advancing gaming silicon technology to unlock deeper visual quality and immersive experiences enhanced by artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s hardware investment spans consoles, handhelds, PC gaming, cloud services, and accessories, representing a comprehensive approach to next-generation gaming across multiple form factors and distribution channels.
