Alright, my fellow gamer! You’ve come to the right place to get the lowdown on the future of Xbox. Jez Corden is definitely a go-to source for all things Xbox, and his reports often give us a tantalizing peek behind the curtain. Let’s dive into what he’s been saying about the next Xbox, shall we?

Jez Corden, the Executive Editor at Windows Central, is a well-known insider for Xbox news, and he’s been quite vocal about what to expect from the next generation of Xbox consoles. Here’s a breakdown of his recent reports:

### **The “Next Xbox” is a PC-Console Hybrid with a 2027 (or Later) Target**

The most significant takeaway from Corden’s reports is that the next Xbox is envisioned as a “full Windows PC” that will primarily boot into a console-like experience. This means it would capable of running virtually anything Windows can, while still offering the familiar, streamlined console interface for typical gaming.

* **Launch Window:** While AMD CEO Lisa Su hinted at a 2027 launch for a next-gen Xbox SoC (System-on-a-Chip), Corden emphasizes that Microsoft has *not* committed to a hard 2027 release date. He suggests that late 2027 is the “earliest” possible window, and delays are certainly possible, potentially pushing it to 2028 or even later.
* **Windows 11 Dependency:** A key factor influencing the launch timeline is the reliance on improvements to Windows 11. The Xbox and Windows development teams are reportedly working “harder than ever” to ensure the operating system is polished for a console-like experience, focusing on aspects like latency, input handling, and power management. Microsoft would rather delay to get the software right than ship a compromised experience.
* **RAM Crisis Impact:** The ongoing DRAM crisis, with rising prices for RAM and SSDs due to increased AI demand, is another significant factor that could push the launch date back. This volatility in component markets presents a risk to final pricing and launch economics.

### **”Xbox Everywhere” and a Plurality of Devices**

Corden’s reports align with Microsoft’s broader “Xbox Everywhere” strategy, suggesting a future with a variety of Xbox devices.

* **PC-like Functionality:** The idea is that the next Xbox will offer many of the same features as personal computing systems. This could include the ability to run alternative storefronts like Steam.
* **Hardware Ecosystem:** Microsoft is building a hardware ecosystem that revolves around the “Xbox Everywhere” identity. We might see new accessories that integrate into this ecosystem even before the next main console launches.
* **No Multiplayer Paywall (Rumored):** One intriguing possibility Corden has mentioned is the removal of the multiplayer paywall, meaning Xbox Live Gold might become a thing of the past for online play on this new hardware.

### **Technical Glimpses**

While specific specs are still under wraps, Corden and other reports, often citing AMD, give us some architectural hints:

* **AMD Semi-Custom SoC:** The next Xbox will feature a semi-custom AMD SoC, internally codenamed “Magnus” by AMD. This SoC is expected to utilize next-generation Zen family CPU cores and an RDNA-family GPU.
* **AI Accelerators:** The hardware is likely to include AI accelerators, targeting richer visuals, hardware-accelerated upscaling, and on-device AI features for games.
* **Mixed Workloads:** The SoC will be designed for mixed workloads, encompassing gaming rasterization, AI inference for game features, and efficient media/encode pipelines.
* **Variants/Binning:** It’s possible we could see more powerful premium SKUs and potentially OEM-tuned handheld silicon with different power and thermal envelopes.

### **What This Means for Gamers**

If Corden’s insights prove accurate, the next Xbox could be a groundbreaking shift, blurring the lines between console and PC gaming. It aims to offer immense flexibility, allowing users to access a vast library of games, potentially from multiple storefronts, all within a familiar Xbox ecosystem. The focus on a polished Windows 11 experience and AI-driven features suggests a powerful and intelligent gaming machine.

However, the emphasis on getting the software right, coupled with component market challenges, means patience will be a virtue for those eagerly awaiting the next generation. Keep those controllers charged, because the future of Xbox sounds incredibly exciting, even if it’s a little further off than some might hope!