It now seems confirmed that the next Xbox console will also include access to the Epic Games Store, and this information comes directly from Epic Games itself. According to Steve Allison, head of the Epic Games Store, support for the new Xbox hardware is planned from launch.
Since the next Xbox is expected to be a hybrid between a console and a PC, this move feels natural. Microsoft has already hinted in the past that its upcoming hardware would mark a major shift from the current model. This time, however, the confirmation comes straight from Epic Games, clearly showing their intent to be part of the platform.
In addition to Epic Games Store, the next Xbox is also rumored to support other third-party stores, including Steam and possibly platforms like GOG, further reinforcing the idea of a more open, PC-like ecosystem.
Epic Games Plans To Be There From Day One
“We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that,” Steve Allison, head of the Epic Games Store, said in an interview published by GameFile
“And we’re going be there, like, on day one. That will probably require us to build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that,” he added.
This approach can be seen as a natural evolution of what is already happening with devices like ROG Xbox Ally, at least in terms of interface design. However, the situation with the next Xbox will be different, as it is expected to also include the full legacy of the Xbox console ecosystem.
The new system should be powered by a custom system-on-chip developed with AMD, reportedly codenamed “Magnus.” This chip is expected to ensure full compatibility with the current Xbox Series X|S generation, including backward compatibility, while also functioning as PC-style hardware.
There is also mention of possible specific support from Epic Games Store, potentially related to adapting the store’s interface for the console environment. This could apply to other digital stores as well, although for now, details remain limited and further information is still expected.
In other news, Steve Allison has openly admitted that Epic does not expect to ever surpass Steam.
