According to several sources, Microsoft is planning an open gaming PC in a console case for the next Xbox generation, which will also give players access to external offers such as Steam. A concept that, according to journalist and Xbox insider Jez Corden, is becoming increasingly unlikely.
In the past few weeks, analysts have commented several times about the next generation of consoles and pointed out that gamers will be happy with the PS6 and the new Xboxwhich is being created under the working title Xbox Helix, should be prepared for expensive devices.
Due to the ongoing shortages of memory components and the resulting price spiral, the new consoles could, according to experts cost up to 1,000 euros or even more. There is a big question mark behind the next generation Xbox or its concept.
Because while the PS6 will once again be a classic home console, several insiders reported that Microsoft could take a different approach with the next Xbox and rely on a powerful open gaming PC in a console case, which, among other things access to external stores or offers such as Steam or the Epic Games Store.
A possible concept, according to journalist and insider Jez Corden, who is mostly well-informed on Xbox questions, in view of the RAM crisis that does not subside shouldn’t make any sense anymore. Instead, the persistently high prices for memory components could thwart Microsoft’s plans here.
The open Xbox could become a cost problem
Corden cited the recently published one as an example Steam Machine. A compact gaming PC with manageable performance, the prices of which start at 1,039 euros even for the small 512 GB model without an included Steam Controller and vary depending on the bundle amount to just under 1,400 euros.
Since Microsoft says the new Xbox is a powerful system, the company would have no choice when it comes to the concept of an open PC but to charge appropriate prices so as not to have to excessively subsidize the hardware when selling it.
“The RAM crisis is making these already extremely thin margins even more difficult. I have been informed that Xbox is currently losing approximately $150 per Xbox Series
“Now imagine that 50 percent or more of Xbox Series
And further: “If Xbox Helix simply became a kind of Steambox for new users, the profitability would have to come from the original hardware price. Otherwise, Microsoft would potentially lose millions on its hardware ecosystem.”
What approach is Microsoft taking?
Therefore, Microsoft is faced with a major conflict of goals with the next generation Xbox: The console should be open enough to support PC games and possibly other stores like Steam, but at the same time remain affordable like a classic console. A possible solution would be a premium model or a subscription that first unlocks access to external platforms.
However, this concept is likely to be ruled out as it would be difficult to convey to players. Another variant would be a semi-open system with selected partners and revenue shares, which would allow Microsoft to retain more control and revenue.
According to Corden, the last option would be a completely open PC-like Xbox, which would probably cost well over $1,000 or euros due to the lack of software subsidies and would therefore miss the traditional console market. Of course, always assuming that Microsoft sticks to the powerful PC hardware originally planned.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma admitted in June that the RAM crisis is definitely causing a headache for Microsoft. Although the Xbox boss emphasized again that the next Xbox will give players the opportunity to play PC games, Microsoft wants to do so in terms of business models and storage solutions but think again.
“I think we’re at a point where it’s hard to imagine the masses being able to afford thousands of dollars for a new generation of consoles. So I expect that later this year we’ll see radically different business models emerge that we never expected,” said Sharma.
However, the Xbox CEO left it open what the whole thing means for the concept and hardware of Xbox Helix.
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