Microsoft Plans Next-Gen Xbox With Windows OS, No Online Play Fee

Microsoft's next-generation Xbox is reportedly evolving into a hybrid device that combines a traditional console experience with the openness of a Windows gaming PC, allowing users to access games across multiple storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net, including PlayStation PC ports. This new console will retain the familiar Xbox interface out of the box but will offer an option to switch to a full Windows experience, dramatically expanding game availability and functionality. A notable change is the elimination of the online multiplayer subscription fee, a standard requirement for current Xbox and PlayStation consoles, aligning the service more with PC gaming norms and potentially influencing the broader market. The device is expected to be a premium product, possibly priced above $1000, reflecting its advanced capabilities. Additionally, Microsoft is reported to have deferred its own handheld Xbox plans in favor of collaborating with Asus on the ROG Xbox Ally, though it intends to develop a first-party handheld console in the future. These developments highlight Microsoft's strategic shift toward blending PC and console gaming ecosystems to enhance player choice and value.