Next-gen Xbox will allegedly be Windows based, offering Steam and Epic Games Store integration as well as full emulation of the existing console library.
In a new video on his YouTube channel, known insider and content creator eXtas1s claimed that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console may bring a major shift in strategy, running on a Windows based platform that integrates Steam and the Epic Games Store (EGS), alongside a full emulation layer for existing Xbox libraries.
A key development backing this claim is the appearance of a new app called Steam DF Beta in the Microsoft Store, which allows users to install Steam directly from the Windows interface. The Epic Games Store already offers similar functionality. While this doesn’t mean current Xbox consoles will natively support these platforms, it does point to a future where next-gen Xbox hardware, powered by Windows, will enable seamless access to major PC storefronts.
Microsoft is also reportedly working on a new “console-like” shell for Windows, providing a more streamlined, living-room-friendly interface similar to Steam’s Big Picture mode. This would be central to bridging the gap between traditional console experiences and PC flexibility. Furthermore, they claimed that a new Xbox emulator for x64-based Windows systems is in development, which would allow users to rub their existing Xbox library on PC, rather than relying on native PC ports. However, achievements and save data will remain separate across the two platforms.
As for Xbox Game Pass, the insider claimed that will also continue evolving, with new tiers such as cloud-only, ad-supported, and PC-exclusive options, though pricing adjustments are expected, especially for the PC tier.
A recent job listing for the position of Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft revealed that the company is working on technology for emulation of legacy Xbox games on modern platforms. Read about it here.
