We may be facing the biggest twist in the history of Xbox since its birth almost 25 years ago. The classic concept of the home console, which has shared prominence with PlayStation throughout this time, seems set to be diluted to get closer than ever to that of the PC. A profound transformation that even calls into question the need to pay for multiplayer.
That is, at least, what Microsoft’s latest movements, the statements of some of its main executives and what was published by Windows Central. If this strategy becomes consolidated, it could open a new stage of opportunities for the platform, although it would also mark the beginning of new challenges.
A new Xbox experience. Everything indicates that Xbox’s next step will be to leave behind the limits that always separated consoles from the PC. The aforementioned media points out that the next generation will be built on a Windows base, with an interface designed for the living room, but with the freedom of being able to jump to the desktop whenever we want. The idea is simple but ambitious: a machine that turns on like a console, feels like a console, but can behave like a full computer if the player wants it.
The clues are not few. Phil Spencer had already anticipated a long time ago that the future of Xbox would involve more open experiences, and in his last speech he insisted on it again. He said that those who want to imagine what the next generation will be like only have to look at the Xbox Ally. For her part, Sarah Bond, president of the division, confirmed that they are already working on the new hardware with AMD. “We are totally focused on creating products for the future,” he assured.
The ASUS laboratory. In the practical field, the ASUS ROG Ally —and its improved version, the Ally— represent the best experiment yet of the future Microsoft imagines. Both devices run Windows and allow you to use launchers such as Steam or Epic, offering almost total freedom. However, they still do not achieve the essential thing: natively accessing the Xbox catalog. This limitation explains why the company wants to go further, looking for a console that unites both worlds without the player feeling like they are giving up anything.
Xbox without tolls. According to the sources consulted, Microsoft would be preparing a historic change: eliminating payment for multiplayer on its next console. The reasoning is simple. If the new hardware will behave like a PC, it would make no sense to charge for something that is free on other platforms. In that more open model, the player could choose where and how to play, without feeling obligated to pay to connect with others.
Catalog and backward compatibility. One of the great attractions of this new stage will be being able to play practically everything. According to Windows CentralMicrosoft plans for the next Xbox to support the entire Series X|S library, in addition to backwards compatible titles from previous generations. And not only that: it will also allow you to access PC games through platforms such as Steam or Epic. A system that promises to erase the borders between generations and formats.
The challenge of execution. The theory is brilliant, but we’ll have to wait to see how it will turn out in practice. On the ROG Ally, the experience between the Xbox layer and the Windows environment is not always seamless. Windows Central notes that Microsoft is aware of these problems and is working on the next console to eliminate those frictions. If he succeeds, the jump could be as big as he promises.
Everything indicates that Microsoft is willing to rewrite what we understand by a console. If it manages to integrate the openness of the PC with the simplicity of the Xbox, it could mark a before and after in its history. But there are still questions in the air: price, calendar and, above all, the response of the players. After a quarter of a century, Xbox seems willing to reinvent itself, and this time the leap promises to be as risky as it is necessary.
Images | Microsoft
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