Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console appears to be ditching AMD for ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, with new details revealing a major hardware shift for the future of Xbox.
For a while now, there have been whispers and speculation about what Microsoft has planned for the next generation of Xbox. From early reports about a full next-generation console to talk of a dedicated handheld Xbox device, the rumor mill has been in overdrive.
Some insiders have hinted at a massive shift in hardware and design philosophy, suggesting the next big leap for Xbox will go far beyond simple upgrades, possibly changing the way people think about console gaming entirely.
New Details Surface on Next-Gen Xbox Hardware
The biggest hint so far just dropped, pointing straight at the heart of what could power the next Xbox console. According to new information pulled from an official sales director role at Qualcomm, the future Xbox is on track to use ARM-based Snapdragon chips. This is a big deal, especially for anyone keeping tabs on how consoles and PCs are evolving.
The new info comes directly from a senior sales position at Qualcomm, focused specifically on building out partnerships with Microsoft. The description calls out “the next generation of Surface and Xbox products built on Snapdragon solutions,” and mentions working with different teams at Microsoft.
This all but confirms that Microsoft is working closely with Qualcomm to bring ARM-based Snapdragon hardware to its next flagship console. To put it simply, this means Microsoft may finally be ready to switch away from the AMD x86 architecture that’s powered Xbox consoles for more than a decade.
Moving to ARM would be a major pivot, lining up with rumors that the company wants its next console to feel much more like a hybrid between a console and a PC. Earlier reports have suggested the next-gen Xbox will run a version of Windows and support a wide range of software, including classic Xbox titles through emulation, and possibly even third-party PC game stores like Steam and Epic.
“Support the sell-in activities for the next generation of Surface and Xbox products built on Snapdragon solutions… Work with internal and external stakeholders… to help define the next generation Surface and Xbox portfolios,” the job listing reads.
With Microsoft’s long-term hardware roadmap aiming for a 2027 launch for the next-generation Xbox, these details line up almost perfectly with previous reports. If all these pieces fall into place, the next Xbox could be the most flexible and future-proof system Microsoft has ever released.
Between rumors of full PC integration, ARM hardware, Windows-based features, and an expanded game library, it’s clear that Microsoft is betting big on making the next Xbox stand out from the pack.
What do you think about an ARM-based Xbox? Would you want to see full PC integration, or do you prefer the classic console experience? Let us know your thoughts below!
