
Concerns Surround Microsoft’s Next Generation Xbox Console
Recent announcements and rumors about Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox console have sparked concern among fans. There are fears that the next-generation device may resemble a PC more than a traditional gaming console, with uncertainties about its ability to run previous console titles. This anxiety was primarily triggered by the unveiling of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 and a subsequent report from Tom Warren at The Verge suggesting that Microsoft could be partnering with third-party OEMs, like ASUS, to produce unique versions of their next-gen hardware.
Reassurance from Industry Insider Jez Corden
In response to rising apprehensions, Jez Corden from Windows Central provided clarity on the situation, emphasizing that backward compatibility is set to be maintained at the hardware level—eliminating the need for emulation. In a recent episode of the Xbox Two Podcast, Corden stated:
I can pretty much confirm – I’m like maybe two or three sources off writing a report on this, but the next Xbox is like 100% or 99.999% recurring running your console games, because I’ve seen that fear out there a lot at the moment, where it’s like, oh my god, the next Xbox won’t run console games. It’s only going to be a PC. It’s going to be like the ROG Ally. It’s going to be made by ASUS, because Tom put in his article something like, “I believe Microsoft will still make their own hardware.”I mean, they’ve said they will. The thing is, Xbox has said a lot of things in the past. When Tom says, “I believe they’re going to make it, ”that exposes an issue with Microsoft’s messaging. People don’t really trust what they say anymore because they’ve gone back on their word so many times.
Confirmation of Backward Compatibility Features
According to Corden, several sources have assured him that the future Xbox will have the necessary silicon to natively support games from the Xbox One, Series X, and even the 360—at least those included in the backward compatibility program. He reassured fans that any titles they own on the current Xbox consoles will transition smoothly to the new device. However, he acknowledged that there might also be an all-in-one ASUS ROG gaming PC, softly hinting at the possibility of diversification within the Xbox brand. Corden commendably recognized Tom Warren’s previous reporting on third-party Xbox hardware, reflecting a growing trend in the industry.
Microsoft’s Commitment to Backward Compatibility
The apprehensions surrounding backward compatibility should be mitigated by Microsoft’s past focus on this initiative, which has garnered considerable praise from both the gaming community and industry critics. This commitment is vital as it underscores the company’s dedication to providing a seamless gaming experience across different generations of hardware.
Looking Ahead: The Next-Gen Xbox Release
As anticipation builds, the new Xbox console is projected to launch in the next couple of years. Microsoft has teased fans with the promise of the ‘largest technological leap’ yet between console generations, setting high expectations for the gaming community.
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