Microsoft unveils strategic alliance with AMD for a lineup of next-gen Xbox consoles, ensuring compatibility with present titles.
Gear Up! Here's the spill on Microsoft's plan to stomp the gaming world with their next gen Xbox hardware driven by AMD technology. The nutshell? Expect a collection of devices ranging from traditional consoles, PCs, handhelds, and cloud platforms. And guess what's central to this new strategy? Backwards compatibility with existing Xbox games (score!).
Microsoft's top dog, Xbox President Sarah Bond, has laid down the plan in a slick video on the official Xbox YouTube channel. The jist is a partnership with AMD to co-create custom silicon for the Xbox family.
"Alright, here's the deal," Bond said, "We've collaborated with AMD to co-engineer custom silicon across a variety of devices, like our next-gen Xbox consoles and handhelds."
So, what kind of gadgets are we looking at? "That's why we're investing in our next-gen hardware lineup, across console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories," Bond explained. Cue the flash of Asus' ROG Xbox Ally in the video when Bond mentioned "handheld."
Now, you might think these partnerships and handheld devices are nothing new, and you'd be right. Microsoft already teams up with AMD for Xbox silicon, and the Asus ROG Xbox Ally has already made its debut. But what's the real story here?
Is it an inside game between Microsoft? Nah, mate! For gamers it's all about two major points: first, Xbox is moving from traditional console to a versatile platform, and second, backwards compatibility with your existing Xbox library is crucial.
Bond emphasized cloud gaming and a Gamepass cloud gaming interface in the video, showing that Xbox gaming doesn't need to involve Xbox hardware (multiplayer online already makes everyone's life easier!). The other buzz point: backwards compatibility, but with no concrete details as to whether it means all future hardware will be compatible with old-school Xbox titles or if cloud services will handle the nitty-gritty.
The specifics? Few and far between! Even the idea of traditional Xbox devices designed by Microsoft themselves is up for question. Recent chatter suggests Microsoft may be stepping away from producing Xbox hardware altogether, in favor of partnering with third-parties for devices (one for the creators!).
The future Xbox consoles may actually be more like PCs, quite unlike the Xbox Series S and X, in terms of hardware. Or maybe this partnership means AMD's mainstream PC silicon will have some modifications to Microsoft's liking. No clue about custom chips or the upcoming Zen 6 architecture or AMD's new UDNA graphics technology just yet. But hey, that's a sneak peek at the future (trust us, it'll be rad!). Keep an eye on Microsoft's Xbox gaming moves, as a next-gen console isn't expected before 2027 (well, patience is a virtue, isn't it?).
Jeremy Laird, your friendly tech-chum, has been wrangling with technology and PCs since the Netburst era (look it up!). He's all about deep dissertations on tech specs, lithography, monitor input lag, overshoot, and machines that go "ping!" Why stop at computers, amirite? Jeremy also enjoys a bit of tennis and loves a good car (a racer like him!).
Enrichment data:Microsoft is teaming up with AMD for a strategic multi-year partnership to produce custom silicon for a future portfolio of Xbox hardware, including next-generation consoles, PCs, cloud platforms, and handhelds. The partnership aims to develop cutting-edge, next-gen gaming silicon that pushes the boundaries of performance, graphics, AI, and immersion while ensuring backwards compatibility with the entire Xbox gaming library (i.e., the Microsoft and Windows ecosystem). The collaboration involves co-designing customized chips tailored specifically for the Xbox family of devices, hitting the ground running for a unified platform that brings the gaming world together seamlessly.
Moving forward, Microsoft won't be using off-the-shelf AMD chips but custom silicon, starting with AMD's Zen 6 architecture and their UDNA graphics technology, with Microsoft-specific enhancements. The aim is to beat the competition by delivering immersive, high-performance gaming adventures on-the-go, in the cloud, and at home (check mate).
- With Microsoft's partnership with AMD, they aim to create custom silicon for not just the next-gen Xbox consoles, but also for PCs, cloud platforms, and potential handheld devices, making their gaming hardware lineup versatile.
- The all-new Xbox handheld device, suggested in the video, might join the traditional consoles, PCs, and cloud platforms as part of Microsoft's expanded hardware portfolio.
- Since Jason Laird is well-versed in technology and PCs, he may provide insights on the upcoming Xbox hardware, particularly the role of AMD's Zen 6 architecture and UDNA graphics technology inMicrosoft's custom chips.
- Aside from the anticipated launch of next-gen Xbox consoles in 2027, tech enthusiasts might keep a close eye on Microsoft's forays into smartphone and gadget markets, as the strategic partnership with AMD could pave the way for more diverse and high-performance gaming devices.
