In the latest episode of DF Direct Weekly, the team at Digital Foundry explored new details surrounding AMD’s rumored “Magnus” APU, which could represent a dramatic shift in Microsoft’s hardware strategy for its next-generation Xbox systems. Leaked through Moore’s Law is Dead, the Magnus APU has ignited widespread speculation due to its unconventional and highly ambitious design.
According to host Rich and co-hosts John and Oliver, the leaked design outlines a dual-die setup, separating the GPU and CPU components. This architecture reportedly includes a 264 mm² GPU die and a 140 mm² CPU die. The CPU configuration consists of three Zen 6 cores and eight Zen 6C cores—smaller, more power-efficient variants. The GPU is believed to feature 68 compute units (CUs) and a 192-bit memory bus utilizing GDDR7, a configuration that could rival or exceed current high-end console offerings in performance.
Oliver noted, “It’s certainly an ambitious design from a die size area perspective… a bigger design than all those historical console APUs.” He explained how this APU is likely larger than those found in the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and even the recently rumored PS5 Pro. However, Oliver also pointed out that Magnus may not be the top-tier chip in AMD’s roadmap but instead a mid-range component in a broader modular architecture.
Rich elaborated on this point by suggesting that Microsoft might be moving away from traditional monolithic console designs, which often balance performance against strict budget limits. “This chip does look expensive,” Rich stated, adding that the architecture could allow Microsoft to combine various AMD CPU and GPU components more freely. Such flexibility might enable the company to release different Xbox-branded systems tailored for varying price segments, possibly including handhelds and PC-like setups.
The discussion also touched on strategic implications. John raised the possibility of Microsoft adopting a Surface-style product lineup, with Xbox-branded devices developed in collaboration with third-party OEMs like ASUS. This could resemble the 3DO model from the 1990s, though built on Windows and supported by a centralized Microsoft ecosystem. Rich responded, “Effectively what is happening here is that Microsoft is going to be executing on the original 3DO model… but modernized.”
The broader goal, as the hosts inferred, appears to be a convergence of Xbox hardware with the PC gaming market. By adopting a modular design and offering more scalable hardware, Microsoft may abandon the traditional console lifecycle altogether in favor of a more iterative model. This would also align with AMD’s interests in expanding its hardware footprint, particularly against Nvidia in the GPU market.
Still, uncertainty remains. The hosts emphasized that while broad strokes of the leak seem well-sourced, technical specifics are murky and could change before any official reveal. Features like advanced ray tracing, machine learning capabilities, and increased rasterization power were discussed, but none are confirmed.
Oliver also expressed some concern about the RDNA 3.5-based ASUS ROG Ally X arriving ahead of AMD’s RDNA 5 GPU architecture, which could cause compatibility or longevity issues. “I do still have concerns about the ASUS Xbox ROG Ally… arriving ahead of time before RDNA 5,” he said.
In terms of software and ecosystem, the trio speculated that backwards compatibility would likely continue to be a core feature, especially for high-end devices. However, entry-level machines like the ROG Ally might not offer full support, particularly for newer generations like the Xbox Series.
The conversation concluded on a cautiously optimistic note. While there is much yet to be confirmed, the hosts agreed that if these plans materialize, Microsoft could be poised to redefine its place in the console market—if it can effectively communicate the value and vision to consumers.
“We’ve kind of covered the gamut here,” John remarked. “It’s more just like a wait and see at this point.” Rich agreed, acknowledging the need for clarity and careful messaging, especially in light of the confusion around Xbox’s recent strategic pivots.
Whether Magnus ends up being a turning point for Microsoft or simply another step forward remains to be seen. But for now, it has the industry’s full attention.
