Tech giants Microsoft and AMD have sealed a multi-year agreement for manufacturing Xbox hardware first-hand - here's a breakdown of the deal's implications.
Xbox's recently announced partnership with ASUS for a PC gaming handheld, codenamed "Kennan," has sparked both excitement and concern. This powerful device will leverage AMD's Z2 platform, potentially reigning as the most potent handheld ever created.
As Xbox unveiled this device, whispers about its implications for Xbox's broader ecosystem grew louder. Some suggested it could mean that the next Xbox would be more of a PC than a console, given Xbox CEO Phil Spencer's previous statements advocating for third-party stores, and rumors that Microsoft is investigating the integration of PC game support into first-party hardware.
To address these concerns, here are some clarifications straight from the Xbox team:
Compatibility with Your Existing Xbox Games:In my earlier report on Xbox "Kennan," I mentioned that Microsoft was planning to support your existing library of console games on the next-gen Xbox. Last week, we learned that Microsoft is resuming its partnership with AMD for the next-gen Xbox consoles, and it's now confirmed that your existing Xbox library will carry forward.
A New Era of Partnership and Innovation:Xbox President Sarah Bond recently shared insights about the renewed partnership with AMD, hinting at the future of Xbox consoles, accessories, Windows 11 gaming, cloud services, AI, and more. In her video, Bond emphasized Microsoft's focus on enabling players to enjoy their games anywhere, on any device.
Bond also revealed the "multi-year" collaboration with long-term Xbox silicon partner AMD, which will create chipsets for Xbox's next-generation consoles. While the ASUS partnership means the handheld device will run on Windows 11, it may not support the majority of Xbox console games that don't have Xbox Play Anywhere support. However, this shouldn't worry you; Microsoft remains committed to Xbox backwards compatibility for your Xbox games.
While the future of Steam integration and the next Xbox console's agenda remain unclear, one thing's certain: Microsoft is determined to make Xbox a gaming platform everywhere, offering a seamless cross-device experience without limiting players to a single store or device. So, hold tight, Xbox fans, exciting times are ahead!
- The upcoming handheld device, codenamed "Kennan," from Xbox organically paired with ASUS, will run on Windows 11, demonstrating a broader convergence of technology.
- Rumors about potential integration of PC game support into first-party Xbox hardware have resurfaced, as Microsoft continues to explore ways to make Xbox a versatile gaming platform.
- Xbox CEO Phil Spencer's advocacy for third-party stores sparked speculation that the next Xbox could lean more toward a PC, but Microsoft's commitment to Xbox backwards compatibility ensures you can carry forward your existing Xbox library.
- Recently, Microsoft rejoined its partnership with AMD for the next-gen Xbox consoles, which will enable xbox games to continue supporting your existing console library.
- Microsoft and AMD are collaborating on chipsets for the next-generation of Xbox consoles, paving the way for an innovative era that can extend to entertainment services, AI, and cloud technology.
- Gaming enthusiasts may debate the implications for the Xbox ecosystem, but one consistent theme persists: Microsoft strives to create a seamless gaming experience, offering accessibility across devices while resisting the restraints of a single store or device.
