3 Minutes
Microsoft appears to be gearing up for a fresh entry in the Xbox hardware lineup in 2026 — a move that could lay the groundwork for a hybrid next-gen console in 2027. Early signals and industry whispers point to expanded OEM partnerships, more flexible devices, and a possible shift away from a purely traditional console model.
What we know so far: a new Xbox device in 2026
Reports indicate Microsoft plans to release a new device under the Xbox brand next year. According to industry insider Jez Corden and recent coverage by Tech4Gamers, Microsoft may follow the ROG Xbox Ally experiment by partnering with hardware makers such as ASUS to build different kinds of Xbox-branded hardware.
Mini-PC vibes and Zen 2 roots
Leaks suggest the new device could resemble a mini-PC more than a classic console, borrowing the Zen 2 architecture similar to the ROG Xbox Ally. That design choice would favor versatility: compact form factors, broader software compatibility, and easier collaboration with OEMs.
Why Microsoft might be shifting strategy
Imagine an Xbox that runs native Xbox titles but also gives you access to Steam, Epic Games Store, or other PC ecosystems. That’s the hybrid vision — a device that blurs the line between console and PC. If Microsoft succeeds with this 2026 launch, the company could carry that approach into a full next-generation hybrid console planned for 2027.
OEM partnerships open new doors
Working with ASUS and other manufacturers allows Xbox to diversify hardware offerings without building every device in-house. This approach could speed innovation, produce a range of form factors (from handhelds to mini-PCs), and make Xbox a more flexible entertainment platform rather than a single, fixed console.
- ROG Xbox Ally served as a testbed for collaboration and architecture choices.
- A mini-PC-style Xbox could support multiple storefronts and PC workflows.
- Success in 2026 could inform a hybrid next-gen Xbox in 2027.
Whether Microsoft fully commits to a hybrid platform remains to be seen, but the hints are clear: Xbox is exploring ways to move beyond the traditional console model and embrace a multipurpose, OEM-driven future.
Leave a Comment