Rumor mill: Leaks, rumors, and comments from Microsoft over the past few years have fueled speculation that the company is fundamentally changing its console strategy. If the latest information is accurate, the next Xbox could essentially be a Windows PC with a console-style user interface that runs older Xbox games through emulation.

A most recent leak outlines Microsoft’s alleged plans to launch a console-like front end for Windows, allowing users to install Steam via the Microsoft Store, and release an Xbox emulator for PC. While some details align with previous rumors, readers should take the information with a sizable grain of salt.

Although the video below is in Spanish from leaker eXtas1s, a translated summary by ResetEra user “P40L0” describes a console-style overlay for Windows. Similar to Steam’s Big Picture mode or the SteamOS interface, the new UI would support both PC gaming and the next-generation Xbox.

This entire concept ties kind of perfectly into Microsoft’s long-standing goal of improving the Windows experience on handheld gaming PCs – if that’s ultimately a path the company chooses to pursue.

The controller-friendly interface in SteamOS makes the Steam Deck significantly more user-friendly than more powerful Windows devices like the Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft reportedly plans to address this gap sometime this year. A leaked collaboration between Microsoft and Asus could be the first step toward introducing an Xbox-style UI for Windows.

Additionally, eXtas1s claims that Microsoft is internally testing a Steam installer accessible through the Microsoft Store. The launcher, titled “Steam DF Beta,” is not intended for current Xbox consoles but rather for Windows, similar to the existing Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect apps available on the platform.

The information might be connected to supposedly revamped Xbox app for Windows featuring a Steam filter. Combined with mockups of an upcoming Asus handheld, the leak suggests Microsoft is aiming to integrate Steam more seamlessly into the Windows UI, creating a more console-like experience for users.

Microsoft is also reportedly developing an emulator for Windows that supports the entire Xbox back catalog. If the next Xbox functions as a Windows PC with a gamepad-friendly interface, this emulation-based backward compatibility would allow users to carry over their existing Xbox libraries.

Furthermore, Game Pass is expected to remain a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. However, the company may soon raise prices on existing console and PC tiers while introducing new, more affordable options.

Let’s just get this out of the way — there are so many mobile controllers at your disposal that we probably don’t actually need anymore. Especially if it’s just a one-off or one with a different color compared to what was originally released.

That being said, an exception should be made for controllers and other peripherals that hit that nostalgia bone in the right way. Such is the case with the Backbone One: Xbox Edition, which came as a surprise announcement on a random Thursday in March.

The Backbone One was originally launched all the way back in 2020. Then, an updated iteration landed in 2023, implementing a few improvements while also arriving after Apple made the switch from Lightning to USB-C and introducing the PlayStation Edition.

Fast forward to 2025, and there’s now an Xbox Edition, but it doesn’t just slap lipstick on and call itself a by different name. Backbone worked with Microsoft to bring us a controller with the same Translucent Green color scheme as the original Halo Special Edition Xbox. And it looks simply incredible.

While the PlayStation Edition ditches the ABXY buttons to match up with the shapes on the DualSense controller, you won’t find a dedicated PlayStation button. On this latest iteration, the “Capture” button has been (somewhat) surprisingly replaced by an Xbox logo. I say somewhat because I can only assume that this was probably one of Microsoft’s requirements before signing off on such a collaboration.

It would’ve been awesome to have the original Xbox logo, but let’s be honest; it’s not like there’s really much real estate to work with here. Plus, who cares?!? I seriously haven’t been this excited about a controller since Nintendo started releasing modern versions of its classic controllers.

While my excitement levels are off the charts, Backbone isn’t the only company working with Microsoft on similar collaborations. Earlier this year, 8Bitdo released the Retro 87 keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse, both of which are also equipped with the same Translucent Green shell from the original Xbox.

8Bitdo also added a bit of extra flair, as the directional keys are translucent and aim to match up with the ABXY colors from the Duke. Now, I want to see what other accessory makers can come up with, provided that devices or accessories are created with some guidance from Microsoft.

That last little bit is important, as it’s not like the idea of attempting to invoke nostalgia is new. Far from it. However, most of the time, there’s a difference when a company just tries to do something on its own versus when it’s able to work with whatever company made the original. And I can’t help but feel like that shows very well here.

Last year, Sony refreshed its lineup of devices to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original PlayStation. Unfortunately, I missed out on getting my hands on any of those before the scalpers got there, but I keep thinking about how it was also a missed opportunity. Imagining a Backbone One styled like the 30th anniversary DualSense would be simply incredible, and you can bet the house that I would have tried to buy one.

Just like how I immediately ordered the new Xbox Edition as soon as I saw that it was announced.