Rumors suggest the next-generation Xbox recently only entered the design phase and risks lagging behind Sony’s PlayStation 6 due to delays in finalizing a chip deal with AMD.
Insider podcast Moore’s Law is Dead claims Microsoft held off negotiations with AMD on pricing Xbox Series X|S successors until last month. Meanwhile, Sony has signed multiple PlayStation 6 deals already.
Without a Microsoft deal, Intel aggressively bid for the new Xbox’s silicon business, viewing it as an Arc and manufacturing savior. However, AMD is still considered the likely Xbox partner again, though final contracts aren’t signed.
The reporting indicates Xbox hardware planning trails at least 6-12 months behind PlayStation 6 development. This could force a later Xbox launch date or rushed timeline aligned with Sony’s console.
Using Intel would have complicated multi-platform games but seemed possible given the opportunity granted. In the end, AMD’s existing Xbox relationship and ownership of console-optimized RDNA graphics IP gives them an advantage.
All specifics remain unconfirmed until Microsoft divulges technical details. But the next Xbox generation appears less defined at this stage versus previous console transitions.
While disruptive delays can happen, Microsoft now faces an uphill battle to match the apparent PlayStation 6 head start. But with Sony quiet and AMD deals still pending, it’s unclear if Xbox plans are truly behind schedule or simply following a different strategy.
