Microsoft is reportedly shaping its next-generation Xbox strategy around a late 2027 launch window while simultaneously evaluating significant changes to Game Pass. The claims were discussed by Windows Central editor Jez Corden during a recent podcast, where he outlined what he described as Microsoft’s current internal direction for hardware, subscriptions, and Xbox Game Studios.
According to Corden, “The current landing strip is 2027, late 2027, what I’ve heard.” He added that the next system is expected to remain a traditional console form factor. “The next gen Xbox from what I understand is a traditional box traditional console, something you can put under your TV. It’s not a handheld.” However, he noted that Microsoft has not abandoned portable ambitions, stating, “I have heard that they still want to do a handheld. They still want to do a first party handheld.”
Corden further claimed that the upcoming device is planned to run full Windows. “The current plan, if it’s not going to change, and I don’t see any reason why it would change, is for the next Xbox to run full Windows.” He elaborated that this would enable broader ecosystem access: “Which means not only Xbox games using the backwards compatible SOC, Magnus, but also full-blown access to Windows, thus Steam, and thus all the PlayStation games, and whatever else you want to put on it. It will just be a PC in essence.” He also suggested potential tariff advantages if categorized as a PC rather than a console.
On pricing and positioning, Corden stated, “It does sound like they are planning to go hard on it, whether it’s aggressive pricing or marketing and all that kind of thing,” while cautioning, “I still think it’ll be quite pricey though.”
Game Pass was also a major focus. Corden questioned the perceived value of the 30 dollar monthly tier, asking, “Is Game Pass worth $30? Like I don’t think it is right now.” He claimed Microsoft is exploring bundling additional subscriptions into Game Pass Ultimate, including World of Warcraft, Fallout First, Minecraft Realms, and an Elder Scrolls subscription. “It does seem like they’re going to eventually integrate some of the subscriptions into Ultimate, but we’ll see if it actually happens,” he said, emphasizing that the idea remains exploratory.
Regarding Xbox Game Studios, Corden noted no immediate organizational changes, though he acknowledged uncertainty about the future. He highlighted continued investment in single-player projects such as Fable and Gears, while also suggesting that additional studio closures would not be surprising.
