Xbox Magnus: Everything You Need to Know About the Next-Generation Game Console (Microsoft)

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that Microsoft envisions the future of Xbox not merely as another "box" for televisions, but as a broader platform connecting game consoles, PCs, handhelds, and other devices. The upcoming next-generation Xbox, codenamed Xbox Gen-10 and often associated with the name Magnus, is considered its boldest step in this direction to date. Based on available information, it's not a traditional game console, but a device built on entirely new technologies. The Windows 11 version will function as a gaming PC with a console-like interface. What does this mean in practice? When is this device expected to be available? And how will it change the gaming landscape?

The Xbox Magnus acts as a Windows 11 gaming PC housed within the console's casing.

The fundamental concept behind the next-generation Xbox is drastically different from our current understanding of game consoles. Microsoft wants to transform this console into a fully-featured gaming computer. Windows 11, at first glance, even under normal use, resembles a classic Xbox. After booting up, the user enters an environment optimized for TVs and controllers—a state similar to "console mode." In other words, at first glance, you might not fully realize that you're actually turning on a gaming computer rather than a game console, because the environment should be very similar to what we're familiar with on the Xbox.

Furthermore, it's claimed that exiting this interface and switching to the full version will also be problem-free. Windows version 11 opens up entirely new possibilities for game consoles that we never expected before. The new Xbox should be able to function like a traditional computer, supporting video production, music production, and programming. In this sense, its concept is similar to Steam Deck's desktop Linux model, only on a larger scale. For users like YouTubers, this will undoubtedly greatly simplify their workflows, as they can theoretically play games and edit content recorded on their Xbox simultaneously on the same "hardware."

Magnus chips and partnerships with Microsoft and AMD

The core component of the next-generation Xbox will be a custom-designed SoC chip from AMD, codenamed Magnus. AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed that the chip's development is progressing smoothly and that it is planned for release in 2027.

However, let's be cautious about 2027. Rumors circulate that some people… Microsoft is reportedly surprised by this timeline because internal rumors suggest the key bottleneck might not be hardware, but rather fine-tuning Windows 11 so it runs perfectly and "gets done" in host mode. Therefore, 2027 is a rather optimistic scenario, though still realistic. Unless AMD's bosses have some inside information. Microsoft only gets the highest score.

However, there's no doubt that AMD is confident about the future. Xbox President Sarah Bond recently confirmed that Xbox and AMD have entered into a multi-year partnership, which includes not only the chips themselves but also long-term backward compatibility support.

Backward compatible with uncompromising performance, and even more advantages!

Backward compatibility should be one of the biggest advantages of the Xbox Magnus. It should be available in its full version, so we'll be able to play games from the following platforms:

• The original Xbox
• Xbox 360
• Xbox One
• Xbox series X | S

What's more interesting to me personally is that it's essentially about Windows 11 PC games, plus the ability to run regular PC games. In other words, a player's game library can be expanded almost instantly with a huge number of games without having to buy any more content. After all, Microsoft has shown that the future isn't a closed ecosystem. Xbox Magnus should support:

• Xbox Store
• steam
• Epic Games Store

Therefore, players will be able to choose where to buy games, just like they would on PC. This is part of Microsoft's broader "Xbox Everywhere" strategy, aimed at making Xbox services available on as many devices as possible. I think another extremely important side effect of this news is that Microsoft will be removing exclusive games that were previously only playable in the PC+PS model. For example, The Last of Us, which was a PlayStation exclusive, is now also available on Steam, so we should be able to play the PC version on Xbox's PC mode (meaning, with higher graphics quality than the PlayStation version, which sounds a bit contradictory).

Xbox Everywhere and third-party devices

A very interesting piece of news is that Microsoft doesn't want to produce just one game console. Instead, it's reportedly counting on partners like ASUS, Lenovo, or Razer to produce Xbox-certified devices at their respective price points—in other words, actually launching more versions of the Xbox game console. The next-gen Xbox, which uses its existing software infrastructure, is part of Microsoft's plans.

The first signs of this path appeared in Project Xbox Ally. Further rumors suggest that Microsoft is preparing to launch its own first-party handheld console, which, logically, should be more technically appealing than ASUS's solution. The ultimate goal is to create an ecosystem similar to the Surface series, incorporating high-end devices from Microsoft. Microsoft is also offering a range of promotional offers to its partners.

Price and supply

The price of the next-generation Xbox remains uncertain. Expensive hardware, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs will all influence the price. However, rumors suggest that the high-end Xbox Magnus could cost as much as ,000.

However, with the addition of OEM partners, cheaper alternatives should emerge. Microsoft also plans to extend support for the Xbox Series S, ensuring it remains a convenient gateway to the ecosystem. As for release date, theoretically we can expect at least a train version sometime next year from Microsoft. Third-party Varia products will likely arrive a little later.