The upcoming Xbox will serve as a reference design for third-party manufacturers to create their own versions of the console, according to a recent report. Jez Corden, co-host of the Xbox Two podcast and editor at Windows Central, confirmed this news on Twitter, supporting a prior leak on Discord.
The next Xbox will have a strong Windows integration, acting as a model for manufacturers. This approach is similar to the Surface Pro 11 being a reference for AI PCs.
The next Xbox has a heavy Windows slant and will be a reference device for manufacturers making devices like the ASUS ROG Ally most likely. Like Surface Pro 11 is a reference device for AI PCs.
— Jez (@JezCorden) May 25, 2024
Corden also mentioned ASUS ROG Ally as an example. ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte are expected to be among the OEMs licensed to build their versions of the next Xbox. Once certified by Microsoft, they can manufacture and sell these consoles.
Microsoft has been releasing Xbox Game Studios titles on PlayStation, indicating a possible shift away from hardware. With titles like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves on PlayStation, Microsoft aims to capitalize on Sony’s ecosystem. CEO Satya Nadella confirmed plans to release Xbox games across all platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to delivering great games to players everywhere.