AMD CEO says next Xbox development is on track for 2027 launch

AMD CEO Lisa Su has hinted that Microsoft's next-gen Xbox could launch in 2027, according to comments made during the company's earnings call. Su stated that development of the new console, which will feature a custom AMD semi-custom system-on-chip, is "progressing well to support a launch in 2027". While this doesn't confirm Microsoft will definitely launch in 2027, it suggests AMD is ready to support such a timeline.

Strategic partnership drives development

Microsoft and AMD entered a "strategic multi-year partnership" last year that involves co-engineering silicon across multiple devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles. The collaboration extends beyond traditional consoles to include Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, indicating the breadth of their technical cooperation.

"Development of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox, featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC, is progressing well to support a launch in 2027," Su said during the earnings call. The brief comment reveals AMD's readiness rather than confirming Microsoft's final plans.

A premium hybrid vision

Xbox president Sarah Bond previously outlined Microsoft's vision for the next Xbox as premium hardware. "The next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end curated experience," Bond said in October. Microsoft has suggested the device will function as some type of hybrid console and PC, potentially running Windows alongside Xbox functionality.

This hybrid approach represents a significant departure from traditional console design. Microsoft has described plans for devices that aren't "locked to a single store", suggesting greater flexibility in software distribution.

Timeline shifts from earlier projections

The 2027 timeline represents a shift from earlier internal documents that surfaced during the FTC v. Microsoft case, which pointed towards a potential 2028 release. Those leaked documents, which Microsoft has said don't reflect current plans, mentioned using a custom AMD CPU and co-designed AMD GPU – specifications that align with the current AMD partnership.

Microsoft has been building towards this hybrid concept through initiatives like Xbox Ally devices, which serve as foundational work for the broader vision. The company promises "the largest technical leap" and new "unique hardware" for its next-generation platform.

What remains unclear

Neither Microsoft nor AMD has disclosed specific technical specifications, pricing, or confirmed availability details. The companies haven't outlined how the hybrid console-PC functionality will work in practice, or whether it will support traditional Xbox game libraries alongside PC software.

Microsoft representatives did not respond to requests for comment about the specific 2027 timeline or technical details beyond the existing partnership announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Share

Copied