The current Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have been on the market for five years now, and while they still have plenty of power left to explore, gamers are already looking forward to what comes next.
Recent leaks and rumors have been circulating about the future of gaming consoles, and the latest information suggests some important decisions Microsoft has made for their next Xbox system. Both Sony and Microsoft have faced various challenges over the past few years, which means the next generation of consoles might look quite different from what we’ve seen before.
Microsoft Sticks with AMD Processors
According to a new report from WindowsCentral, Microsoft has decided not to use Qualcomm chips in their next-generation Xbox console. Jez Corden from WindowsCentral shared information from his sources, stating that “the next Xbox systems are not based on Qualcomm chips.” This decision comes down to Microsoft’s commitment to making sure your current game library will work on the new console.
The report also mentions that while there might be some third-party Xbox-branded devices using ARM-based processors (similar to the Logitech G Cloud), the main Xbox console will continue using AMD x86-based processors. This choice focuses on maintaining maximum compatibility with existing games.
It helps to know a bit about the tech to see why this is important. Qualcomm chips use ARM technology, which is great for portable gaming devices. But Xbox has always used AMD x86 chips, and those work much better with the games and software people already have.
Why Compatibility Matters Most
The biggest challenge Microsoft would face by switching to Qualcomm processors would be backward compatibility. If they made this change, thousands of Xbox games from previous generations might not work on the new console. This would be a major disappointment for gamers who want to continue playing their favorite titles on upgraded hardware.
Gaming communities on Reddit have been discussing this news, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. One user commented, “I just don’t understand what they would actually gain from moving to Qualcomm ARM chips. AMD’s APUs are doing a fine job powering handheld PC devices like the Steam Deck and it would take a lot less work to make them binary-compatible with XB1/XSX titles.”
Another gamer shared their experience using a Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite processor, explaining how the Xbox app only offers cloud gaming options rather than native game installation. They expressed frustration that games like Balatro, which runs perfectly on x86 systems, can only be accessed through cloud streaming on ARM devices.
The same user praised the PRISM emulation technology, noting how older games like Guild Wars 2 and Star Trek Online (13-15 years old) work perfectly on x86 systems. They emphasized how happy they would be if Microsoft continues supporting native game installation through Game Pass rather than forcing cloud-only gaming.
Information about the next Xbox console remains limited, and we’ll likely need to wait several more years before Microsoft reveals more details about their next-generation gaming system. However, this news about processor choice gives us a clear indication that Microsoft prioritizes keeping your existing game collection playable on future hardware.
