Microsoft’s Next-Gen Xbox May Be Priced at Nearly Twice That of Sony’s PS6 |Xbox Next release date

According to Kepler L2 on the NeoGAF forum, Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console (codenamed Xbox Next) may be priced at nearly double the PlayStation 6, due to its use of a high-performance Magnus APU and support for third-party game stores such as Steam and GOG.

The high cost of the next Xbox mainly comes from two factors. First, the console is equipped with AMD’s Magnus APU, which adopts a large-scale chiplet design, resulting in higher hardware costs.

Second, since the console supports third-party stores like Steam and GOG, Microsoft cannot collect the usual 30% cut from game sales. To maintain profitability, it may need to raise the hardware price.

Leaker Kepler L2 speculates that the Xbox Next could be priced at about twice that of the PS6, while Sony is expected to control costs through optimized design, focusing instead on delivering 4K/120fps output and enhanced ray-tracing performance.

The Xbox Next will support backward compatibility with all previous Xbox games. However, Xbox-branded gaming PCs using the same Magnus APU will not be able to provide this feature.

Kepler L2 explains that this is mainly because publishers oppose converting Xbox game licenses into PC licenses. Unless Microsoft resorts to a legally gray dual-boot system (e.g., Xbox/Windows dual boot), it will be difficult to overcome this limitation.

Tom's Guide cites a leak indicating the next Xbox (possibly code-named "Magnus") may debut in late 2026, maybe stretching into 2027.GadgetReview reports industry insiders claiming the hardware has passed key approvals and is preparing for a late 2026 launch.