Microsoft Confirms Next Xbox with AMD Chip and Open Game Stores

Gamers have something new to get excited about, as Microsoft has officially shared that it is already building its next-generation Xbox consoles in partnership with AMD. Xbox president Sarah Bond broke the news in a quick video update on YouTube, highlighting big changes that aim to make gaming more flexible than ever before.

One major twist this time is that the new Xbox system will not be locked to a single game store. This means players can expect more freedom to buy and play games from different stores, not just Microsoft’s own marketplace. According to Bond, the company wants people to enjoy their games wherever and however they want, whether that’s on a console, a handheld device or through the cloud.

This announcement comes shortly after Microsoft teamed up with Asus to roll out two Xbox Ally handheld devices later this year. These new gadgets will run a special Xbox interface built on top of Windows, giving access to other game stores like Steam. Many fans believe this signals a future where Windows will be the backbone for Xbox consoles too.

AMD and Microsoft are also working side by side to create new gaming silicon for this upcoming Xbox generation. The goal is to push graphics even further, unlock more realistic gameplay and use AI to make games look and feel better. Players won’t have to worry about losing their favorite titles either, since Microsoft plans to keep games from previous Xbox consoles working on the new system.

While exact specs and release dates are still under wraps, it’s clear that Microsoft wants to blur the lines between consoles, PCs and cloud gaming. For now, fans can look forward to a more open, flexible Xbox experience that fits whatever device they choose to play on.

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash