Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox is shaping up to be both a nod to the past and a leap into the future. Amid recent rumors suggesting a shift toward more PC-like hardware and third-party manufacturers like ASUS creating their own Xbox versions, gamers feared that traditional console gaming-and crucially, backward compatibility-might be left behind. 
But new reports strongly indicate that fans can breathe easy.
Speaking on the Xbox Two Podcast, reputable insider Jez Corden claimed the next-gen Xbox will support backward compatibility at the hardware level. This means users can expect seamless play with Xbox One, Series X|S, and even Xbox 360 titles already in the backward compatibility program-without relying on emulation. Corden said, “I’ve been told by a bunch of people the next Xbox has the silicon for running Xbox One, Series X, and 360 games natively.”
This reassurance comes after Tom Warren of The Verge reported that Microsoft may open the door for third-party Xbox hardware, sparking concerns the company was veering toward a Windows-powered PC box rather than a dedicated gaming console. While Corden acknowledges the likelihood of an ASUS ROG-branded gaming PC/console hybrid, he insists that Microsoft will still produce a flagship Xbox system with full backward compatibility baked into the hardware itself.
Backward compatibility has long been one of Xbox’s strongest selling points, praised even as other aspects of the brand have struggled. This commitment helps preserve game libraries and consumer investment, and signals to longtime fans that their digital collections remain valuable.
With Microsoft promising the “largest technological leap” between generations, expectations are sky-high. While exact specs are still under wraps, some gamers are already dreaming big: 12-core Zen 6 CPUs, RTX 4090-level graphics, and 32GB of unified memory are among the wish-list items circulating online.
But not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that without true next-gen features like VR support, even powerful hardware won’t make much difference. Others remain skeptical of Microsoft’s messaging, pointing to past inconsistencies and the company’s tendency to overpromise and underdeliver.
Still, if these reports hold true, the next Xbox could represent a rare blend: a high-performance, forward-thinking console that doesn’t abandon the games-and the players-that got it here.