Until this decade of the 20s, there were two ways to play: on console or on PC. Many prefer PC, but consoles are the easiest option. In 2021, Valve he presented The Steam Deck, a "portable console" that ultimately became a Linux PC that could be used for gaming and as a desktop computer. The Deck was followed by others like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, and more are expected in the future. Magnus.
What is Magnus? Well, currently it's just a rumor, and nothing more. These rumors claim that there will be no more Xbox consoles, and that the future of Microsoft gaming will remain on PC. To understand this, it's best to think of Magnus as... like Microsoft's Steam Machine: computers designed for the living room, with a console design, but with a computer operating system to take full advantage of everything.
Magnus, Microsoft's rumored living room PC
Microsoft recently changed its strategy in the video game sector. First, it ended exclusivity for its titles, and all of them will now also be available on PlayStation. In the future, it seems their plan is to reach as many devices as possible. Meanwhile, we've seen them partner with ASUS to launch their... ROG Xbox AllyA handheld console that looks promising, especially because of its full screen function which aims to compete with SteamOS's game mode.
The next step, according to rumors, will be to stop developing any more Xbox consoles. At least not in partnership with Microsoft. The idea is to create desktop computers like the ROG Xbox Ally. More powerful, pre-assembled, and ready to play. The first Magnus It would arrive in 2027 approximately, and there would be something for every taste and budget. Rumors suggest agreements with different brands that would launch these types of Steam Machines, but using the Windows operating system.
The reasonable doubts of the Magnus
It's still too early to tell if the rumors are true, and if they are, we'll have to see how they're implemented. Being a "console," or rather, one with that philosophy, it should be ready to turn on and use. That much seems clear. What's not so clear is the level of integration with Windows the operating system will have. One possibility is that it will be a version of Windows 11 closer to a desktop environment than the current Xbox consoles (which also partially run Windows). The other is that it will be like SteamOS: it starts in full-screen mode, from where you can access the Xbox game catalog, install other launchers and play without complications, and also go to the power menu and switch to a full desktop.
The rumored price for this Magnus would be 1000$But there would also be different models. You could pay that price for a mid-range model or something a bit more and get a better graphics card and other components. And as for whether they would be modular or not, there isn't much information. Probably not, to avoid complicating things.
Sony would be left alone
If all this about Magnus comes true, Sony would remain the only company that sells consoles Important home consoles as such. How would it face that future? There is no information or rumors about it. Most likely, it would continue with its strategy: selling consoles and games, continuing with its exclusives, and also those of the competition, which is a point in its favor.
What's not so clear is whether it's worth buying increasingly expensive consoles just for a few exclusives, but the Switch 2 seems to have the answer to this.
Valve: Get your act together
Valve should be paying attention to these rumors. They already seem to be considering a second attempt at Steam Machines, but if they want to make a similar impact to the Steam Deck, they need to launch them before Microsoft. A PC disguised as a console that can smoothly run current and future games at minimum graphics settings, but at a more affordable price.
It remains to be seen when we'll see the first console of this type, but it seems clear that it's something that will happen sooner or later. The Steam Deck started it all, and we, the users, will continue to benefit.