According to Tech4Gamers, citing insider Jez Corden, Microsoft is reportedly preparing to launch new Zen 2-powered OEM hardware in 2026. Given the recent turn of events, how Valve shook the internet and gained significant traction with its rumored Steam Machine, and considering how Microsoft is planning to revamp gaming in the upcoming Windows 26H2 release, it is very likely that we might see a new mini PC from the tech giant sometime in 2026.
Here is everything we know about the rumored device so far.
Note: This article is based on rumors and speculations and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
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Expected Zen 2 mini PC specs
Xbox consoles Series X and Series X (Image via Xbox)
According to Tech4Gamers and based on the information shared by the insider, this new OEM device will likely be powered by AMD’s Zen 2 platform. It will likely target the 1080p resolution and use a mini-PC form factor, fitting into the NUC category. Now, we all know that Zen 2 is fairly old at this point, and it is also the architecture powering the current Xbox Series consoles and the original Steam Deck. The point here is that its inclusion can mean many things.
Rather than chasing raw horsepower to rival high-end desktops, Microsoft might be planning to play it smart and market this device at a very affordable price point. Given recent discussions around budget gaming and reuse of older hardware, Microsoft could be considering a similar approach: older hardware, lower pricing, and mass marketing to gamers. As for who will make this device, it’s likely that ASUS has opened up new partnership opportunities to build it for Microsoft.
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Looking forward
Ultimately, sometime in 2026, if this rumored mini PC does surface and is priced affordably, the specs on paper may not be anything to brag about. That said, Zen 2 can still handle gaming at 1080p, which is likely this PC’s target resolution.
But the real questions are: what OS will it run, how much RAM will it have, and finally, is this Microsoft’s way of testing a “hybrid” ecosystem where Steam, Epic, and Windows storefronts coexist on a single Xbox-branded device? Time, as always, will answer everything.
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Edited by Niladri Roy