Xbox Magnus APU Fully Leaked – 68 RDNA 5 CUs, Up to 48GB GDDR7, 2027 Launch to Compete with PS6

Microsoft’s Most Powerful Console Ever

Hardware leaker Moore’s Law is Dead published a bombshell video on October 8, 2025 revealing full specifications and alleged photos of AMD Magnus, the custom APU that will power Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console. The leak details a massive chip featuring 68 RDNA 5 GPU compute units, up to 11 Zen 6 CPU cores (3 full cores + 8 efficiency cores), a 192-bit memory bus supporting up to 48GB of GDDR7 RAM, and a 110 TOPS AI NPU – making it the largest and most powerful APU ever used in a gaming console. With a die size of approximately 408mm² and power consumption up to 350 watts, Magnus represents Microsoft’s bet on raw performance over cost-conscious design.

According to sources cited in the video, Microsoft is targeting a 2027 release date for the Magnus-powered console, positioning it to compete directly with Sony’s PlayStation 6 rather than offering a mid-generation refresh. The strategy reportedly involves creating a more powerful but more expensive machine than PS6, likely abandoning the “cheaper, weaker console” approach exemplified by Xbox Series S. Multiple sources suggest Magnus won’t be a traditional console but rather a PC-console hybrid running Windows 11 with native support for Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and other third-party launchers alongside Xbox Game Pass.

The Full Magnus Specifications

The leaked specifications paint a picture of unprecedented console power. The GPU features 68 RDNA 5 compute units manufactured on TSMC’s N3P or N3C process node (3nm), significantly more than the 52 CUs in Xbox Series X or the rumored 52-54 RDNA 5 CUs in PlayStation 6. With at least 24MB of L2 cache for the GPU, Magnus should deliver substantial improvements in graphics performance, ray tracing capabilities, and power efficiency compared to current-generation hardware.

The CPU configuration is particularly interesting, featuring a heterogeneous design with 3 full Zen 6 cores paired with 8 Zen 6c (compact/efficiency) cores for a total of 11 cores. Moore’s Law is Dead notes this configuration is tentative and some cores could be disabled in final silicon. The CPU subsystem includes 12MB of L3 cache and is manufactured on TSMC’s N3P process. This asymmetric core design mirrors strategies used in mobile processors, where high-performance cores handle demanding tasks while efficiency cores manage background processes and reduce power consumption.

The Memory Configuration – Up to 48GB GDDR7

Perhaps the most striking specification is the memory configuration supporting up to 48GB of GDDR7 on a 192-bit memory bus. This represents a massive leap from Xbox Series X’s 16GB of GDDR6, though several sources note that 48GB may be the maximum supported rather than the standard configuration. A more realistic expectation is 24GB of GDDR7 in the base model, with potential 32GB or 48GB variants for premium SKUs.

Even 24GB would represent a 50% increase over current generation, while 48GB would be borderline overkill by 2027 standards unless Microsoft plans to run full Windows 11 with substantial background services and third-party launcher overhead. The 192-bit bus width exceeds PS6’s rumored 160-bit bus, suggesting Microsoft is prioritizing memory bandwidth for GPU performance and potential AI workloads. GDDR7 offers significantly higher bandwidth per pin than GDDR6, meaning even the 192-bit configuration should provide ample bandwidth for 4K/8K gaming at high frame rates.

AI NPU for On-Device Processing

Magnus includes a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI workloads, capable of 110 TOPS (trillion operations per second) at 6W power consumption or 46 TOPS at just 1.2W in a lower-power mode. This positions Magnus to handle local AI inference for features like frame generation, upscaling, voice recognition, accessibility features, and potentially game-specific AI applications without relying on cloud processing.

The dual power modes suggest Microsoft is planning sophisticated power management where the NPU can scale performance based on workload demands. Lightweight tasks like voice commands or UI predictions use the 1.2W mode, while intensive operations like AI-powered upscaling leverage the full 110 TOPS at 6W. For context, this surpasses current-generation AI accelerators in mobile devices and approaches entry-level discrete AI chips, though it remains far below datacenter-class hardware.

Comparison to PlayStation 6 Leaked Specs

Moore’s Law is Dead’s earlier leaks about PlayStation 6 allow direct comparison to Magnus. According to those reports, PS6 will feature 52-54 RDNA 5 compute units, 8 Zen 5 or Zen 6 CPU cores, 32-40GB of memory on a 160-bit bus, and similar 3nm manufacturing. This positions Magnus as the more powerful machine on paper, with approximately 26-31% more GPU compute units, more CPU cores (though the efficiency cores matter less), 20-50% more memory capacity, and a wider memory bus.

However, Moore’s Law is Dead cautions that raw specs don’t tell the complete story. Sony historically extracts better real-world performance through tighter hardware-software integration, more mature developer tools, and aggressive optimization. The performance gap may be less noticeable when playing on large TVs versus monitors, and exclusive optimization for PS6 titles could nullify Magnus’s spec advantage in multiplatform comparisons.

The Massive Die Size and Power Requirements

With a die size of approximately 408mm², Magnus would be one of the largest chips ever used in a mainstream consumer device, about 13% larger than both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X APUs. For perspective, Nvidia’s RTX 5090 features a 761mm² die, but that’s a halo desktop GPU priced at $2,000+. For a console targeting $600-800 retail pricing, 408mm² represents enormous manufacturing cost and yields challenges.

Larger die sizes mean fewer chips per wafer and higher defect rates, directly increasing per-unit costs. Combined with cutting-edge TSMC 3nm manufacturing (the most expensive process node commercially available), Magnus will be extraordinarily expensive to produce. This explains why sources consistently describe the next Xbox as significantly more expensive than PS6 – the raw silicon and manufacturing costs are substantially higher.

Power consumption compounds the challenge. At up to 350W under full load, Magnus draws 75% more power than Xbox Series X (200W). This necessitates robust cooling solutions with larger heatsinks, more powerful fans, and potentially liquid cooling or vapor chambers. The console itself will likely be physically larger and heavier than Series X, and operating costs for consumers rise with higher electricity consumption.

The PC-Console Hybrid Strategy

Multiple sources cited by Moore’s Law is Dead and other outlets suggest Magnus won’t power a traditional console but rather a PC-console hybrid running Windows 11 or a heavily customized Windows variant. This aligns with previous rumors about Microsoft pivoting toward devices that natively run Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and other third-party launchers alongside Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox app.

This strategy addresses Microsoft’s fundamental problem: lack of exclusive games. If players can access the same games on PlayStation and Xbox, most choose PlayStation due to brand loyalty and Sony’s exclusive portfolio. By positioning the next Xbox as essentially a pre-built gaming PC with console convenience, Microsoft sidesteps the exclusives problem – every PC game becomes an “Xbox game” by default. The massive specs justify the approach, as running Windows 11 with multiple storefronts requires substantially more system resources than a streamlined console OS.

Microsoft has been testing this strategy through partnerships like the ASUS ROG Ally Xbox Edition handheld and improvements to Windows 11’s full-screen gaming UI. The Magnus-powered device would represent the full realization of this vision – a living room PC that boots directly into a controller-friendly Xbox interface but can access the entire PC gaming ecosystem. Whether consumers embrace this or prefer Sony’s traditional console experience remains the billion-dollar question.

Modular Design and Multiple SKUs

Moore’s Law is Dead speculates that Magnus’s modular architecture could enable multiple device form factors rather than a single console. AMD reportedly designed Magnus with flexibility for various manufacturers and configurations, similar to how Ryzen and Radeon chips power diverse PCs. Microsoft might produce both a traditional console-style device and a more compact or portable form factor, or license Magnus to OEM partners for third-party “Xbox PC” hardware.

This aligns with leaked Xbox documents from the FTC Microsoft-Activision trial discussing an “ecosystem of devices” rather than singular consoles. Multiple sources have suggested Microsoft is moving away from manufacturing one system in massive quantities, instead creating a platform that various hardware configurations can run. Whether this means official variants at different price points or actual third-party hardware remains unclear.

Price Expectations – Not Your $499 Console

Every source discussing Magnus emphasizes the same conclusion: this will be an expensive machine. The massive die size, cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing, up to 48GB of GDDR7, and 350W power envelope all contribute to high manufacturing costs that must be passed to consumers. Moore’s Law is Dead suggests retail pricing could reach $800-900 or potentially higher, roughly double PlayStation 6’s expected $450-500 starting price.

This represents a dramatic shift from Microsoft’s historical strategy of undercutting or matching Sony’s pricing. Xbox Series S launched at $299 specifically to offer a budget entry point, while Series X matched PS5’s $499 price. Positioning the next Xbox as a premium device priced higher than competitors requires convincing consumers that the extra performance, PC functionality, and Game Pass ecosystem justify the cost premium.

The business model may depend heavily on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions subsidizing hardware losses. If Microsoft can convert buyers into long-term Game Pass Ultimate subscribers at $19.99/month, they recoup hardware losses over 2-3 years while locking customers into their ecosystem. The PC functionality also creates upsell opportunities for Windows services, Microsoft Store purchases, and peripherals that traditional consoles don’t offer.

2027 Release Target

The leaked specs indicate Microsoft is targeting 2027 for Magnus’s release, approximately seven years after Xbox Series X/S launched in 2020. This aligns with typical console generation cycles, though shorter than the decade-long PS3/Xbox 360 to PS4/Xbox One transition. PlayStation 6 is also rumored for 2027-2028, suggesting both companies aim to refresh their platforms simultaneously rather than staggering launches.

However, 2027 remains over a year away, and semiconductor development timelines frequently slip. TSMC’s 3nm process is still ramping production yields, and any manufacturing complications could delay availability. Microsoft also faces the challenge of ensuring adequate software support at launch – if the device is essentially a PC running Windows 11, day-one compatibility with Game Pass and third-party stores becomes critical. Rushed launches plagued previous Xbox generations, so Microsoft may prioritize polish over meeting arbitrary release windows.

AMD Engineer Confirms Development Continues

The Magnus leak arrives shortly after AMD engineer sources confirmed to Moore’s Law is Dead that development on next-gen Xbox hardware continues despite rumors suggesting Microsoft had cancelled console plans. The engineer stated AMD is “continuing its work with Microsoft on hardware based on the Magnus APU,” and that existing agreements may make cancellation too costly at this stage of development.

This reassurance matters because October 2025 saw conflicting reports about Xbox’s future. Some outlets reported Microsoft had ceased traditional console production in favor of focusing entirely on cloud gaming and software. Microsoft quickly responded by reaffirming commitment to future Xbox hardware, but the confusion created uncertainty about whether Magnus would actually reach market. The AMD engineer’s confirmation suggests the silicon development is progressing regardless of Microsoft’s final decisions about form factor and positioning.

Community Response – Excitement Tempered by Price Concerns

Gaming communities on Reddit and Twitter show mixed reactions to the Magnus leak. Hardware enthusiasts are excited by the impressive specifications, particularly the 68 RDNA 5 CUs and massive memory configuration. Many view it as Microsoft finally committing to creating the most powerful console rather than the cost-conscious approach that resulted in Xbox Series S holding back the generation.

However, price concerns dominate discussions. Comments consistently note that $800-900 pricing would make Magnus a niche enthusiast product rather than a mainstream console. “At that price, I’ll just build a PC,” appears frequently in threads, questioning why consumers would buy a closed Microsoft ecosystem device when similar money buys a fully open gaming PC with upgrade paths. The PC-console hybrid positioning partially addresses this by offering PC functionality, but whether that justifies premium console pricing remains debated.

Some players question whether Microsoft learned lessons from PlayStation 3’s disastrous $599 launch pricing that gifted Xbox 360 the generation. Others counter that 2027’s economic conditions and inflation-adjusted pricing make comparisons to 2006 pricing models irrelevant. The divide reflects broader uncertainty about what consumers actually want from next-generation hardware – maximum power regardless of cost, or balanced performance at accessible prices.

The Reliability Question

Moore’s Law is Dead has a mixed track record on leaks, with some predictions proving accurate while others haven’t materialized. The channel correctly leaked aspects of RDNA 3 and Zen 4 architectures before official announcements, but has also made predictions that didn’t pan out. The Magnus leak should be treated as credible insider information from legitimate sources rather than confirmed specifications.

That said, the level of detail and accompanying photos/diagrams suggest substantial access to development information. Generic speculation wouldn’t include specific details like the 192-bit memory bus, exact CU counts, die size measurements, or dual NPU power modes. The information appears to come from someone with direct knowledge of Magnus specifications rather than educated guesses based on public AMD roadmaps.

Microsoft and AMD haven’t commented on the leak, which is standard policy for unannounced products. Official specifications won’t be confirmed until Microsoft is ready to publicly announce the next Xbox, likely not until 2026 at the earliest. Until then, all Magnus information should be considered unconfirmed regardless of source credibility.

FAQs

What is Xbox Magnus?

Magnus is the codename for AMD’s custom APU that will reportedly power Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console, targeting a 2027 release. It features 68 RDNA 5 GPU compute units, 11 Zen 6 CPU cores, up to 48GB GDDR7 memory, and an AI NPU.

When will the Xbox Magnus console release?

According to the leak, Microsoft is targeting 2027 for release, approximately seven years after Xbox Series X/S launched. This timeline could shift based on manufacturing challenges or strategic decisions.

How much will the next Xbox cost?

Sources suggest significantly higher pricing than PlayStation 6, potentially $800-900 or more. The massive die size, 3nm manufacturing, and high-end specs make Magnus expensive to produce, costs that will be passed to consumers.

Will it be more powerful than PlayStation 6?

On paper, yes. Magnus reportedly features 68 RDNA 5 CUs versus PS6’s rumored 52-54 CUs, more memory, and a wider memory bus. However, real-world performance depends on clock speeds, optimization, and developer tools where Sony historically excels.

Is it a console or a PC?

Multiple sources suggest it will be a PC-console hybrid running Windows 11 with native support for Steam, Epic, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts alongside Xbox Game Pass. This blurs traditional console/PC boundaries.

Why is it so expensive?

The 408mm² die size, cutting-edge TSMC 3nm manufacturing, up to 48GB of GDDR7 memory, and 350W power requirements create high manufacturing costs. Microsoft is prioritizing performance over affordability with Magnus.

How reliable is this leak?

Moore’s Law is Dead has a mixed track record but the level of specific detail suggests legitimate insider sources. However, nothing is confirmed until Microsoft officially announces the console, likely not before 2026.

Will Xbox Series X/S games work on it?

Almost certainly, as Microsoft has emphasized backwards compatibility. If Magnus runs Windows 11, it should support the entire Xbox ecosystem plus PC games, creating unprecedented backwards compatibility.

Conclusion

The AMD Magnus leak reveals Microsoft’s bold strategy for the next console generation – compete on raw performance rather than price, embrace PC functionality over closed ecosystem purity, and target enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for cutting-edge hardware. With 68 RDNA 5 compute units, 11 Zen 6 cores, up to 48GB of GDDR7, and a 408mm² die manufactured on TSMC’s most advanced 3nm process, Magnus represents the most powerful APU ever designed for a gaming device. Whether consumers embrace an $800-900 Xbox that runs Windows 11 and competes against both PlayStation 6 and gaming PCs remains the critical question Microsoft must answer. The company appears to be betting that eliminating the exclusives disadvantage through universal PC game compatibility combined with Game Pass ecosystem value justifies premium pricing that abandons the mainstream market Sony will likely dominate. If executed well, Magnus could redefine what “console” means and create a new category of living room gaming devices. If it fails, Microsoft may finally exit traditional hardware manufacturing after this generation. Either way, 2027 will be a pivotal year for Xbox’s future, and the Magnus APU represents Microsoft’s most significant hardware gamble since the original Xbox launched in 2001.