The next generation of consoles is already going to be one of the most unusual in years. Recent leaks shed more light on Microsoft’s “Xbox Next”, also sometimes called “Xbox Magnus”, and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 6. And one thing is sure, the two companies could not be taking more different paths. Here is what we know so far.
The Price Gap War
Leaks suggest that Xbox Next could cost nearly twice as much as the PlayStation 6. The reason is that Microsoft is reportedly using AMD’s Magnus APU, a massive and expensive chip with a chiplet design. Unlike past console launches, Microsoft may also choose to sell the system at a profit, since it will not rely as heavily on a cut from game sales.
Sony, on the other hand, is aiming for a more traditional approach with a 4K, 120 FPS-capable console with major ray tracing upgrades, and keeping production costs lower. If true, it means players could face a massive price gap when deciding between the two systems.
The Storefront Change
Perhaps the most interesting rumor is that Xbox Next could support third-party PC storefronts like Steam and GOG. Games would reportedly run inside a virtual machine, avoiding major legal problems.
This would mark a radical change, away from the traditional closed ecosystem consoles are known for. But there is a trade-off. With no guaranteed 30% revenue cut from every game sold, Microsoft may have no choice but to price the console higher to make up for lost income.
Console vs. PC – The Blurred Line
Thanks to the Magnus APU’s flexible chiplet design, Xbox Next seems to be positioning itself closer to a pre-built gaming PC than a traditional console. The system may even get multiple variants, targeting gamers who want more of a PC-like experience without building their own rig.
Sony’s PlayStation 6 strategy, meanwhile, remains more set in the classic console identity. On top of that, Sony is also said to be developing a portable system capable of outperforming devices like the ROG Ally X and even the base PS5 when patched for compatibility.
The Most Interesting Console Generation Yet?
Instead of fighting over the same ground, Microsoft and Sony seem to be diverging more than ever:
- Xbox Next: High-cost, PC-like system with open storefront support.
- PlayStation 6: Optimized, affordable console with a strong portable option.
This change could make the upcoming generation one of the most fascinating in gaming history. Players will have the possibility to choose the high-end, open ecosystem of Xbox Next or the streamlined, cost-efficient power of the PlayStation 6. Which one they will pick, is the question that will define the next few years.
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