When you look at the Xbox console platform, consoles are made entirely by Microsoft, but that appears to be changing with the next-gen offering, as it’s now rumored that Microsoft will be tapping in partners to do some of the work. If you’re unsure what this looks like in practice, think about how Lenovo made the Steam OS version of the Legion Go S. Up until this handheld, the Steam Deck, made entirely in-house by Valve, was the only Steam OS handheld available.
Microsoft is reportedly looking to do something similar with its next-gen low-end Xbox models. There are already rumors about the company’s high-end Xbox coming sometime in the future. It’s reportedly going to be a high-end PC that runs on Windows. It’ll have an Xbox-style UI layer on top of Windows. It’ll also likely come with a very premium price tag. So, what about those who would have bought into an Xbox Series S-style entry model? Microsoft seems to have a plan for that.
Low-end next-gen Xbox consoles could be made by ASUS and other partner OEMs
There’s not a whole lot of detail on this just yet, but according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, Microsoft is working with partner OEMs to produce a “variety of options for next-gen Xbox gamers across a range of price points.” This sort of sounds like Microsoft will be handling the next-gen Xbox that’s described as a high-end PC as a first-party offering, just like the Xbox Series X, while partners handle other models that could target those who would spend less money to upgrade to the new generation.
Corden only mentions that partners are working with Microsoft to make a variety of options available. However, it’s not explicitly stated if these are more handhelds or lower-end models of the new console. It could be both, perhaps. At this point, it’s unclear. At least from what’s being said in the report.
It’s also recently been rumored that Microsoft might be looking to launch the next-gen Xbox sometime in 2027. That’s a lot sooner than some are expecting, given the state of the RAM market. Not to mention Sony’s rumored delay that could push the PS6 to as late as 2030.
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