Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox may allow Steam and Epic Games Store installations, marking a major shift toward a PC-like console. Here’s everything we know about this potential game-changer.
Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox might be the company’s most ambitious console yet if recent leaks are to be believed. According to a well-known leaker, eXtas1s, and corroborated by discussions on ResetEra, the upcoming Xbox could break traditional console boundaries by integrating PC gaming features such as Steam and Epic Games Store support.
The core of this rumor suggests that the next Xbox will run on a specialized version of Windows. While Xbox consoles already utilize elements of Windows architecture, this new iteration could deepen the crossover. A “Steam DF Beta” app was reportedly spotted on the Microsoft Store, hinting that Steam might soon be installable via the store, potentially on consoles, not just PCs. This kind of native integration would be a first for Xbox, allowing players to access a broader range of games beyond Microsoft’s own ecosystem.
eXtas1s claims Microsoft is working on a new Windows “shell” with a console-style interface designed for use with controllers, similar to Steam’s Big Picture Mode or the UI found on the Steam Deck. This new user interface is expected to become the default for both the next-gen Xbox and future Windows handheld gaming devices, aligning with Microsoft’s broader goal of unifying the gaming experience across PCs, consoles, and mobile hardware.
This shift fits with Microsoft’s long-standing “Play Anywhere” philosophy. By allowing users to run Steam, Epic Games Store, and other launchers directly from the Microsoft Store, the company could enable a seamless experience across all its platforms. This would simplify managing game libraries and eliminate the need for third-party tools to connect ecosystems.
In addition to this, there’s speculation that Microsoft is developing a built-in Xbox emulator for Windows, enabling PC gamers to play titles from the Xbox back catalog. This would significantly enhance backward compatibility and preserve access to older games, a strong move for game preservation and accessibility.
The next Xbox is also rumored to support new controller designs with features similar to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense: refined haptic feedback and potentially adaptive triggers. These controllers will reportedly be compatible with both the next-gen Xbox and current Windows devices.
Moreover, Microsoft doesn’t plan to phase out its popular Game Pass service. Instead, it could introduce new pricing tiers, including ad-supported and cloud-only options, to reach a broader audience.
If these leaks are accurate, the next-gen Xbox won’t be just a console; it will be a hybrid device, merging the best of PC and console gaming. With Steam and Epic Games integration, a new Windows UI, Xbox emulation on PC, and universal controller compatibility, Microsoft could be setting the stage for a revolutionary shift in how we think about gaming platforms. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the future of Xbox is looking more PC-like than ever before.
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