Next-Gen Xbox Chiplets Could Change Console Hardware

Next-generation Xbox chiplets could allow manufacturers to build different APUs for consoles, handhelds, and PCs

Microsoft and AMD are preparing a new approach for next-generation Xbox hardware, with chiplet-based APUs expected to power different types of Xbox-branded devices. This approach could allow manufacturers to build consoles, handhelds, laptops, and PCs with different hardware configurations while maintaining compatibility across the Xbox ecosystem.

Next-generation Xbox consoles could use APUs built with chiplets. For those unfamiliar with chiplets, they are smaller parts of a processor that can be combined to build a complete chip. In an APU, the processor contains the CPU, GPU, and memory controller in a single chip. In a traditional design, these components are on one chip, so you cannot change much about their configuration.

Next-Generation Xbox Could Use Chiplet-Based APUs

Chiplets change that approach because they let manufacturers build an APU with different parts depending on what they want to develop. One benefit is that this can reduce costs while also allowing manufacturers to use different components for different devices. This approach makes sense for next-generation Xbox consoles and other Xbox-branded devices because it could deliver compatibility across the entire ecosystem.

At the same time, manufacturers would have the flexibility to build APUs with different specifications depending on the device. With this design, manufacturers will have the CPU, GPU, and other components needed to run games, but the chiplets could be larger or smaller depending on how much processing power a device needs.

For example, a home console would probably use a larger GPU chiplet because it needs more teraflops to run games. However, handheld devices require smaller chips, meaning their GPU chiplets could also be smaller. Think of chiplets as Lego blocks that manufacturers can combine to build APUs with different specifications. This could allow us to get different types of Xbox devices while maintaining compatibility across the platform.

AMD confirmed recently that it will build different chips to power Xbox-branded devices, including consoles, handhelds, PCs, and laptops. This means we could see an entire family of Xbox-branded and Xbox-licensed devices that should be compatible with each other, at least in theory. Of course, execution will be important.

One of the biggest changes is coming with next-generation Xbox hardware.

Chiplet technology could let different manufacturers build machines for different users, which is likely why Microsoft is more willing to work with partners and let them decide what works best for their markets. That could also help push PC gaming forward through better game optimization.

Building one machine that suits everyone is difficult because different regions and markets have different needs. With chiplets, manufacturers could develop devices with different hardware configurations instead of relying on one specification for every type of machine. This would also let manufacturers build devices around what their markets need while keeping them compatible with the Xbox ecosystem.

Another interesting part of this chiplet technology is that it could make more devices compatible with Xbox on PC. Since these chips and APUs would be designed to support Xbox, developers could potentially use the optimizations they have already made for Xbox across these devices.

If developers can use similar optimizations across different Xbox-compatible hardware configurations, supporting multiple devices could be easier. We are looking at a different approach to Xbox hardware, where Microsoft and AMD could work with third-party manufacturers to build devices using Xbox-licensed chips. I look forward to seeing what Microsoft and AMD develop, and what other companies build with these chips.

Q. Will next-generation Xbox consoles use chiplet-based APUs?

A.Next-generation Xbox hardware is expected to use chiplet-based APUs, allowing Microsoft and AMD to develop different processors for consoles, handhelds, and PCs.

Q. What are chiplets in an APU?

A.Chiplets are smaller processor components that can be combined to build an APU containing the CPU, GPU, and other necessary components.

Q. How could chiplets benefit Xbox handhelds and consoles?

A.Chiplets could let manufacturers use larger GPU configurations for home consoles and smaller GPU configurations for handhelds, depending on performance requirements.

Q. Could Xbox chiplets improve PC game optimization?

A.Yes. Xbox-compatible APUs could support optimizations developed for Xbox, potentially helping developers improve game optimization across different PC and handheld devices.

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