Did Microsoft just tease that the next Xbox is a PC and console?

We already cognize that the next-gen Xbox console isn’t locked to a azygous store, volition usage an AMD spot inside, and volition support compatibility with an existing room of Xbox games. Now, Microsoft appears to beryllium teasing that the next-gen Xbox volition beryllium immoderate benignant of hybrid console and PC.

Xbox president Sarah Bond sat down with Mashable this week to sermon the latest Xbox Ally X handheld, and dropped immoderate vague hints astir Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console. When asked astir rumors that the next-gen Xbox console volition beryllium much similar a gaming PC, Bond appeared to agree. “I tin archer you you’re right, that the next-gen console is going to beryllium a precise premium, precise high-end curated experience,” said Bond. “You’re starting to spot immoderate of the reasoning we person successful this handheld, but I don’t privation to springiness it each away.”

I’ve been penning for more than a year that the next Xbox console will beryllium more PC-like, and that the Xbox Ally devices are an early look astatine what’s to come. Bond’s latest comments are subtle, but they erstwhile again enactment up with her erstwhile committedness of delivering an “Xbox acquisition not locked to a azygous store oregon tied to 1 device,” and prioritizing Windows. “That’s wherefore we’re moving intimately with the Windows squad to guarantee that Windows is the fig 1 level for gaming,” said Bond successful June, portion announcing a multi-year partnership with AMD for a portfolio of Xbox devices.

I’m convinced that Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console volition beryllium powered by Windows and beryllium portion of a fig of devices from 3rd parties that Microsoft besides considers Xbox consoles. A $1,000 Xbox Ally X handheld tests the appetite for pricey next-gen consoles, and it whitethorn good besides trial the appetite for a operation of Xbox and Windows. Perhaps that’s what Bond means erstwhile she says the next-gen Xbox volition present “the largest method leap you volition person ever seen successful a hardware generation.”