Epic Games has confirmed that it plans to make the Epic Games Store available on Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console right from launch day. This move signals a major shift in how console ecosystems may function in the future, as Microsoft continues to push toward a more open, PC-like gaming platform rather than a closed console environment.
A More Open Xbox Ecosystem
Microsoft has been gradually laying the groundwork for an Xbox ecosystem that is not restricted to a single digital storefront. Although the company has not officially revealed full details about its next-gen Xbox, statements from Xbox leadership strongly suggest that the upcoming console will embrace openness and flexibility.
Last year, Xbox president Sarah Bond stated that the next-generation Xbox experience would not be “locked to a single store or tied to one device.” This statement alone sparked speculation that Microsoft is moving away from traditional console limitations, allowing third-party storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store to coexist alongside the Microsoft Store.
Epic Games’ confirmation now adds more weight to those rumors, making it clear that major publishers are already planning for this new Xbox strategy.
Next-Gen Xbox as a PC and Console Hybrid
Industry insiders believe the next Xbox will function as a PC/console hybrid, combining the power and flexibility of Windows with a console-style interface optimized for living room gaming. This approach aligns with Microsoft’s recent efforts to blur the line between PC and console gaming.
The rumored next-gen Xbox is expected to support third-party digital storefronts while running a Windows-based operating system underneath. This would allow players to access games from multiple platforms without being restricted to Microsoft’s own ecosystem.
Microsoft’s collaboration with ASUS on Windows-based Xbox handhelds has already provided a glimpse of this future.
Lessons from Xbox Handheld Devices
The ASUS-manufactured Xbox handheld devices currently run on Windows but feature the Xbox Full-Screen Experience (FSE) interface. This interface allows users to boot directly into the Xbox app, offering a seamless, console-like experience on a handheld device.
One of the key benefits of the Xbox FSE interface is its ability to unify game libraries from multiple storefronts. Players can access their PC games and cloud-playable titles in one centralized location, regardless of where they purchased them.
This unified library approach is exactly what could make third-party storefronts like Epic Games Store a natural fit for the next-gen Xbox console.
Epic Games Store and Windows-Based Gaming
Despite Microsoft’s progress, the Epic Games Store is currently not available natively on Windows-based Xbox handhelds. During a recent interview, Epic Games Store General Manager Steve Allison explained that while Epic wants its storefront to be available on handheld devices, the company has been focusing on improving the Epic Games Launcher experience on PC first.
Performance, usability, and overall player experience have been top priorities for Epic. However, Allison made it clear that Epic Games is interested in expanding its storefront to new platforms once those improvements are complete.
With Microsoft opening the door to third-party storefronts on Xbox, Epic Games appears ready to step through that door as soon as the next console launches.
What This Means for Gamers
If Epic Games Store launches on the next-gen Xbox on day one, gamers could see major benefits:
- More choice in where to buy games
- Competitive pricing, including Epic’s frequent free games and discounts
- Unified game libraries across PC, console, and cloud platforms
- Less reliance on a single digital storefront
This could also put pressure on other platforms to adopt similar open approaches, potentially reshaping the console gaming industry as a whole.
A Big Shift for Console Gaming
Epic Games’ announcement highlights a turning point in console gaming. The traditional model of locked-down ecosystems may soon give way to more flexible, PC-like environments where players have greater freedom and control.
If Microsoft delivers on its vision, the next-gen Xbox could become the most open console platform ever—one where Epic Games Store, Steam, and other storefronts coexist from day one.
