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[DenchDeckard]

Guess why? Hint: It's a PC.

The OS is the PC OS. The hardware is no different than any console gen we have seen. We have all the information on it. Its a closed design motherboard, with an APU and soldered memory chips. Basically console hardware with an PC OS slapped on it.

Its console mentality designed hardware, with an OS on it.

You could make drivers and slap this on a PS5, would that then be a PC? was the PS3 a PC because you could put linux on it?

 

[Bernkastel]

Jez is lying again. MS takes 30% cut in Xbox and 15% cut in Windows. If your Xbox BC works, then this machine won't have free online. They will never get rid of that 30% cut.

And from what I heard, will cost 1200$. I will take a Steam console running Linux over a Xbox Console running the bloated Windows 11 anyday.

 

[Darsxx82]

It's literally a PC. A PC is not a console.
PC doesn't pay for MP.
Don't tell me you believe their dog shit "This is an Xbox" ads?

The thing is that, for characteristics, look much more like a console than a PC... Then everyone decides what it is and isn't and how much they care about it.

Of course, some people seem to be more concerned about that definition than what it offers, even if it's exactly the same as a 100% traditional console would offer.

 

[Mr Moose]

The OS is the PC OS. The hardware is no different than any console gen we have seen. We have all the information on it. Its a closed design motherboard, with an APU and soldered memory chips. Basically console hardware with an PC OS slapped on it.

Its console mentality designed hardware, with an OS on it.

You know what else uses APUs? Laptops.
It's a small form PC.

 

[viveks86]

So basically the Ally X experience (improved over the next couple of years), but with BC?

Sounds to me that there won't be an Xbox console-specific game SKU next gen. The only difference between an Xbox console and OEM-built Xbox PC is going to be backwards compatibility.

nial if this is true, then this is indeed a "console" just in form factor and user experience.

 

[Ozriel]

And you believe that? They couldn't even keep the BC program going for the series consoles. Cloud is how they'll avoid licensing issues, and you'll have to pay for it.

They've said it'll have native BC for ages now. Confirmed repeatedly.
They'll get around licensing issues because this will be pitched as an Xbox console.

God, only MS and MS Zealots can be happy with a ' PC with a emulator' like it's the second Christ coming...

It actually makes it quite interesting from a hardware diversity point of view. And every gamer should really be pleased MS is bringing something different to the table for a living room console.
With MS games going multiplatform, it's hard to make a case for many people to buy a traditional Xbox

-No pay for online (I find it hard to believe and I will only believe it when I see it)

They can't charge you to play your Steam games online

Instead of paying for a multiplayer paywall you the cost will be transferred to the upfront hardware price, as per all Windows PCs.

Unlike Xbox consoles, this "Xbox" PC will have no subsidies, as per any other PC. 30% profit margin, remember?

The PC business model is the way it is due to multiple storefronts, this will use the PC business model

I believe everyone is aware of this.
In exchange, You do get a much bigger library of games to play

It's literally a PC. A PC is not a console.
PC doesn't pay for MP.
Don't tell me you believe their dog shit "This is an Xbox" ads?

After weeks of you folks arguing that the Xbox Ally can't be an Xbox console because it doesn't play Xbox console games, you're trying hard to move goalposts?

If it plays Xbox Series games, you'd be hard pressed to convince anyone that it isn't an Xbox.

You know what else uses APUs? Laptops.
It's a small form PC.

Have you tried running your Xbox console library on your Laptop?

 

[ADiTAR]

So basically they are gonna team up with a PC builder to stamp Xbox on it. Cool.

 

[Topher]

Xbox has to call the machine a console for 3rd party BC contract reasons. And as for WHY, it is the only thing that MS can add to the machine that differentiates it from regular PCs. What with it otherwise only running regular PC titles, the BC chip is the only marketable benefit.

Microsoft wants to save face. They lost the console war but didn't want to declare a loss, the hybrid device is how they exit quietly. And ironically Xbox is becoming the Windows gaming machine that Bill Gate asked them to build, all these years ago.

I think it would probably take a lot more than simply labeling a PC a "console" to get around the contracts in place with publishers.

 

[tr1p1ex]

1. Surface Box One X

or

2. 3rd party with Xbox stamp

 

[coffinbirth]

It's basically the Ally experience, Windows 11 with an "Xbox" app running in full screen.

 

[rm082e]

Not being able to upgrade because it's a fixed spec is a big no thank you. If you're not going to get the benefit of a custom tailored version of the game that maximizes the hardware it's running on (benefit of consoles), and you're going to have to put up with all the downsides of windows, without the upside of killer performance hardware, then it's the worst of all worlds.

At least with a gaming laptop or handheld you get the screen which makes it a portable gaming platform. This sounds like it's the guts of a gaming laptop with custom silicone, but without the screen, and still running Windows...

 

[Astray]

Finally, console with mandatory Kernel Security Patches and OS support endpoint

Can't wait to use Microsoft Teams to chat with my teammates!

 

[Mr Moose]

After weeks of you folks arguing that the Xbox Ally can't be an Xbox console because it doesn't play Xbox console games, you're trying hard to move goalposts?

If it plays Xbox Series games, you'd be hard pressed to convince anyone that it isn't an Xbox.

Huh? Xbox Ally can't be an Xbox console because it isn't a MicroSoft product, it's a handheld gaming PC from ASUS.

Have you tried running your Xbox console library on your Laptop?

Have you tried running Steam games from your Series X?

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

I think it would probably take a lot more than simply labeling a PC a "console" to get around the contracts in place with publishers.

It worked for PlayStation with their BC methods on PS2. Prior incidences of this kind of BC makes it legally easy to defend.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

So basically they are gonna team up with a PC builder to stamp Xbox on it. Cool.

Very likely ASUS again.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Been telling ya, it's a PC in Console's clothing.

... if the source is correct.

The source is Jez

Let that sink in a minute

 

[RoboFu]

So Jez is saying it is actually a PC that can play your console library. HeisenbergFX4 has maintained that it is a full fledge console that will have PC store fronts available. K KeplerL2 has said full Xbox BC on a PC is not feasible.

Jez is saying "this is what we know". Do we though? What he is describing has been theorized over and over from various sources based on the tidbits of information given by the same people who would have you believe a standard handheld PC is actually an Xbox because they put the name on it.

Jez isn't exactly the most trustworthy source. That much we do know. But if he is somehow right here then this would be, imo, a compelling product. And a damn expensive one. The problem I see here is that Xbox BC was never something that was able to make a difference in consoles, why does Microsoft think it will somehow be a factor with a PC?

it seems to be a xbox console with hardware that plays previous one and series games natively PLUS plays xbox store PC versions of those games / new PC games and MAYBE plays steam games as well.

 

[DenchDeckard]

You know what else uses APUs? Laptops.
It's a small form PC.

Well, either i am doing a very poor job of explaining it or we are not on the same page, and that is fine. I can drop memory chips and standard NVMEs in a laptop. Wifi cards etc. This has been explained to me that it completely designed like a console. I could be wrong, but from my understanding the hardware approach has been done like a console. Completely custom.

But yes, what is a PC and what is a console. If you could install sonys APIs and OS onto a laptop, does it now become a console and visa versa. If you could install linux on a PS5....is it now a PC?

If you could install Linux or Windows on a ps5, would you say it as it is now a PC?

 

[twilo99]

I called this months ago, it's effectively Microsoft exiting the console space while providing backwards compatibility with old console games

Thread 'Is the next Xbox simply a compact Windows PC?'

Feb 16, 2025

The more I hear about the next Xbox, the more I'm convinced that Microsoft are simply going to release a Windows desktop PC and stick an "Xbox" logo to separate it from other off the shelf Windows PCs.

https://archive.is/Q5O6x

Here's where I think they're going…

- Windows compact/desktop PC with "Xbox" logo on it

- Runs standard Windows 12

- Designed for on-desk and under-TV use

- Other OEMs (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asis) will be able to "Xbox" certified devices, providing they stick to the same spec

- When bought, all units will have the same spec, this will allow PC game...

• RetroGamingUK
• Replies: 286
• Forum: Gaming Discussion

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How are they existing the console space when they will be selling hardware that runs console games?

 

[viveks86]

The source is Jez

Let that sink in a minute

Doubling down? I like it!

 

[Kacho]

Doubling down? I like it!

Are you team PC or team console?

 

[Felessan]

Well, I think the confusing part is. Its actually going to be a console in hardware design but its going to be operated by a windows OS. I dont know if it works or not, but the last thing I am going to do is trust MS after recent events. I may buy one if its an awesome product but I need to see it in action and know a lot more before I commit.

I actually expect that "console" next Xbox with BC would have some restrictions on how you can turn it into proper PC
And PC Xbox would omit native Xbox BC

 

[Bernkastel]

I mean, if the PS6 is going to be as powerful as a 4080 I don't see how it's going to be cheap even with Sony subsidising. Might be one of the reasons why Microsoft is taking this route in the first place.

"Gaijin speaking!! Sony-sama, please increase the price of your console!! I will lose the internet war!!"

Unlike Microsoft, Sony does plan to keep it's audience and is fully aware of the price at which people would buy their console.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

How are they existing the console space when they will be selling hardware that runs console games?

It will run BC Xbox Series and Xbox One games via the additional silicon, and thus games that were part of the backward compatibility program.

Going forward though new games it runs will simply be PC game, whether from the Xbox Store or Steam.

 

[Mr Moose]

Well, either i am doing a very poor job of explaining it or we are not on the same page, and that is fine. I can drop memory chips and standard NVMEs in a laptop. Wifi cards etc. This has been explained to me that it completely designed like a console. I could be wrong, but from my understanding the hardware approach has been done like a console. Completely custom.

But yes, what is a PC and what is a console. If you could install sonys APIs and OS onto a laptop, does it now become a console and visa versa. If you could install linux on a PS5....is it now a PC?

If you could install Linux or Windows on a ps5, would you say it as it is now a PC?

Which Game Pass do you think this device will use? Do you think it'll be Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass?

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Are you team PC or team console?

That is such a great question with what's coming

Does having other storefronts mean PC?

Does playing all your old Xbox library mean console?

If it plays GTA 6 day one when there is no PC version what does it make it?

Lines are going to be blurry for sure

 

[Dorfdad]

They're going to have to do a hell of a lot better than what's currently running on the Ally if they want this to work.

Ally is and was always the beta. They have to have real world data to tweak it.

 

[Topher]

It worked for PlayStation with their BC methods on PS2. Prior incidences of this kind of BC makes it legally easy to defend.

PS2 had PS1 hardware integrated into the system. It was literally a combination of the two. It wasn't just a matter of labeling. Either way, you are equating games within a console ecosystem with console games being emulated on a PC. Depends on how the contracts are written, but usually they are very specific. This is why K KeplerL2 doesn't see it happening.

 

[Darsxx82]

So basically they are gonna team up with a PC builder to stamp Xbox on it. Cool.

"First-party Xbox hardware." Clearly, MS is going to create 100% of its own piece of hardware.

That later you could see other OEMs versions with different specs tweaks based on that one is another matter.

 

[ADiTAR]

"First-party Xbox hardware." Clearly, MS is going to create 100% of its own piece of hardware.

That later you could see other OEMs versions with different specs tweaks based on that one is another matter.

They don't consider Rog ally x a first party?

 

[DenchDeckard]

Which Game Pass do you think this device will use? Do you think it'll be Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass?

That is a great question, I have no idea until I know more. Isnt PC gamepass considerably cheaper? I think it will use Gamepass ultimate that costs the most and makes the most money for MS. so whichever that one is. They need to let users play all the old Series X and xbox 360 games. which PC gamepass doesnt cover. So, maybe a new gamepass? No idea.

Just for fun, is PS5 now a PC?

This AMD mini PC kit is likely made out of b0rked PS5 chips

You probably don't want one of these for your next PC build, though.

www.pcgamer.com

 

[Mr Moose]

They don't consider Rog ally x a first party?

No, it's not an Xbox.

That is a great question, I have no idea until I know more. Isnt PC gamepass considerably cheaper? I think it will use Gamepass ultimate that costs the most and makes the most money for MS. so whichever that one is. They need to let users play all the old Series X and xbox 360 games. which PC gamepass doesnt cover. So, maybe a new gamepass? No idea.

Just for fun, is PS5 now a PC?

This AMD mini PC kit is likely made out of b0rked PS5 chips

You probably don't want one of these for your next PC build, though.

www.pcgamer.com

That's not a PS5 motherboard, it's just the chip. That doesn't make it a PS5.

 

[Sooner]

That's called a PC.

 

[Artistic]

Instead of paying for a multiplayer paywall you the cost will be transferred to the upfront hardware price, as per all Windows PCs.

Unlike Xbox consoles, this "Xbox" PC will have no subsidies, as per any other PC. 30% profit margin, remember?

The PC business model is the way it is due to multiple storefronts, this will use the PC business model

No multiplayer paywall means more people would probably be more inclined to sign up for Game Pass Ultimate at $30 a month in my opinion.

 

[crackajack]

well no shit there. xbox one and series use emulation for 360 .we are talking one and series games.

Why would one and series not be native compatible? imho that's not even a question at all since those are close enough to just have frequency modes and new AI crap unused in a future FakeXbox-PC. Windows lost compatibility with some Win95/98/ME programms and games the last time, moving to NT/2000 with XP, ever since then they drag along everything I think. Probably with some games needing some patches to properly work. Same will be possible with anything AMD keeps cooking.
Wasn't there also some weird mainboard made for some specific task I can't remember with a PS4 APU and deactivated GPU where it worked running Windows (or Linux)? Anyway, once it is x86 it is very compatible.

 

[kruis]

Jez is lying again. MS takes 30% cut in Xbox and 15% cut in Windows. If your Xbox BC works, then this machine won't have free online. They will never get rid of that 30% cut.

And from what I heard, will cost 1200$. I will take a Steam console running Linux over a Xbox Console running the bloated Windows 11 anyday.

Yep. Those classic Xbox 360/One/Series games need to connect to Xbox Live to work.

But just imagine MS launches the PC based nextbox and online is going to be free. That's a big fuck you to the people who can't afford to upgrade to the new hw, they'll have to stick with their Xbox Series S/X and fully know they're paying a premium price for Gamepass without any fucking reason whatsoever.

 

[Sooner]

No multiplayer paywall means more people would probably be more inclined to sign up for Game Pass Ultimate at $30 a month in my opinion.

Just the opposite. When you have to pay anyway, you're much more likely to pay for a higher tier, than if you're given a completely free option.

PC players subscriber much less to GamePass than console players despite a much lower price because of this.

This thing will be a PC, with the only difference is Microsoft will charge double for GamePass.

 

[DeltaPolarBear]

PS2 had PS1 hardware integrated into the system. It was literally a combination of the two. It wasn't just a matter of labeling. Either way, you are equating games within a console ecosystem with console games being emulated on a PC. Depends on how the contracts are written, but usually they are very specific. This is why K KeplerL2 doesn't see it happening.

It isn't emulation if it is a dedicated piece of hardware. We have been told about the Xbox chip quite a while back already so it isn't news to me.

Microsoft would PREFER the Emulation solution. They just couldn't legally do it, too difficult to jump hoops. The Chip was made at extra costs just to make sure there is no legal issue, otherwise what is the point?

 

[Sooner]

Them announcing the next "Xbox" as just a pre-built (likely, overpriced) PC, means the Xbox console is officially dead.

 

[Unfortunatecookie]

No thanks.

"Premium" console with zero exclusives = waste of my money.

 

[Griffon]

It's a PC.

 

[twilo99]

It will run BC Xbox Series and Xbox One games via the additional silicon, and thus games that were part of the backward compatibility program.

Going forward though new games it runs will simply be PC game, whether from the Xbox Store or Steam.

Is it going to run the PS6 version of GTA6 then ?

 

[Darsxx82]

They don't consider Rog ally x a first party?

No. Or at least not first-party hardware.

In their recent statements (S.Bond and P. Spencer) they make it clear that RoGXboxAlly is a "collaboration" and an Asus hardware thing and that their (they said) "next first party hardware will be their next gen console"

 

[DenchDeckard]

No, it's not an Xbox.
That's not a PS5 motherboard, it's just the chip. That doesn't make it a PS5.

I was just having fun.

So, if this is a completely custom motherboard with set specs, soldered in memory chips of a pre defined spec from top to bottom you will still say it is a PC?

 

[Three]

Ambitious New Xbox: A PC with emulation for Xbox Series

Yeah, after 2015 most games came to PC anyway so "emulation" wouldn't even really be required for Series X titles because if it was on xbox it was on PC throught that gen. games that were made more than a decade ago might not have PC versions and would require emulation but even most of those have PC ports.

This is mostly so that the xbox folks don't get hung out to dry because their traditional console has died. It's a BC program for those people who for whatever reason hadn't already abandoned ship to another platform that hasn't collapsed. It's better than the alternative of them cutting off those users from their library but it's not really "ambitious" either. It's a compromise to get people from Xbox to PC.

 

[PurePlatinum]

To paraphrase the ex-apple executive Bertrand Soulet - "It's still Windows", so no thanks.

 

[Angry_Megalodon]

Now it's full power, guys. Sony and Nintendo are cooked.

 

[xanaum]

That's actually a pretty good question. Like, why in hell would anyone buy a regular gaming PC with an Xbox skin on it?

Unless it's cheaper than a proper high end PC of the time because Microsoft's subsidizing it (which we all know the Xbox division can't afford anymore) or maybe, by some miracle, this "Xbox PC" could squeeze out extra performance from the hardware, but let's be real, Windows doesn't work like that.

So who's this thing even for? Collectors of PC case skins? The whole idea reminds me of those cheesy laptops and desktops from the late '90s and early 2000s with Hot Wheels or Barbie themes for kids.

 

[Ozriel]

I think it would probably take a lot more than simply labeling a PC a "console" to get around the contracts in place with publishers.

It will be pitched as an Xbox console that runs Windows, based on an x86 AMD APU like the Xbox One and Series consoles. Why would licensing fees be required in that scenario?

There's probably a reason why they're confidently stating it'll have BC.

 

[Artistic]

Just the opposite. When you have to pay anyway, you're much more likely to pay for a higher tier, than if you're given a completely free option.

PC players subscriber much less to GamePass than console players despite a much lower price because of this.

The thing is it's still an Xbox at the core and will be marketed as an Xbox.

Traditional PC gamers aren't the targeted audience for an Xbox product, you would agree?