Rumors about the next Xbox have been making waves, particularly regarding Call of Duty 2026 and its potential launch on Microsoft’s next gaming hardware.
However, according to insider Jez Corden, Microsoft’s upcoming device may not be a conventional gaming console at all.
Instead, it’s speculated to be a Windows-powered PC in a console-like shell, offering a more developer-friendly, standardized hardware platform.
A Shift Away from Traditional Consoles
Microsoft has been rethinking its approach to gaming hardware, especially as Xbox consoles have struggled against PlayStation in recent generations.
The Xbox One era was largely forgettable, and even the Xbox Series X/S hasn’t been able to surpass the PS5 in global sales.
Recent moves, such as the expansion of Xbox Game Pass, cloud gaming, and a “console-free” ecosystem, suggest that Microsoft is gradually moving away from dedicated gaming hardware.
A former Xbox executive even stated that Microsoft would stop making consoles entirely if given the choice.
What the Next Xbox Could Be
According to Jez Corden on The Xbox Two podcast, the next Xbox device, expected in 2027, won’t be a traditional console but instead a small Windows-based gaming PC with fixed hardware specifications.
This means:
- PC-like functionality with a console-friendly interface
- Optimized game development thanks to standardized hardware specs
- A “switchable mode” allowing users to toggle between a gaming UI and a Windows desktop mode
- Support for peripherals and input devices, making it a hybrid between a console and a gaming PC
Call of Duty 2026 and Xbox Devkits
Corden also addressed the Call of Duty 2026 rumors, suggesting that the next Xbox won’t launch until 2027.
Developers currently working with Xbox devkits are more likely targeting specific hardware requirements rather than a new console release in 2026.
The Future of Xbox: A Fully Digital, Multi-Platform Ecosystem?
With Xbox increasingly pushing Game Pass, cloud gaming, and PC compatibility, a Windows-powered hybrid device would align with its long-term strategy.
If Microsoft ditches traditional consoles, it could focus on making Xbox a digital ecosystem spanning PCs, mobile, and cloud gaming.
Would you buy a console-style gaming PC from Xbox, or do you think Microsoft should stick to traditional consoles? Let us know in the comments!
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