A senior Epic Games official has signaled that the next-gen Xbox the console will have access to the Epic Games Store from day one. While there are plenty of details still to be ironed out, the current plan is for Epic to be deeply involved in Microsoft's push to make the next generation of Xbox hardware more open and publisher-inclusive.
Several reports that surfaced online in 2025 have claimed that the next-gen Xbox system will be a PC/console hybrid. This would allow developers to treat it as a regular PC configuration in a unified software development kit, possibly an updated version of the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK). It would also allow it to ship with multiple game consoles, similar to the recently launched ROG Xbox Ally handheld lineup, which comes with the Xbox Store and Steam pre-installed. The rumors gained further weight from Microsoft's recent statements describing the future Xbox ecosystem as more open and cross-platform, with an emphasis on seamless game continuity across multiple device types.
The Epic Games Store is coming to the next-gen Xbox console
In a recent interview with Game File, Epic Games Store General Manager Steve Allison confirmed that Fortnite the manufacturer has noted Microsoft's open approach to the next console generation. Additionally, it plans to capitalize on it by launching the Epic Games Store for future Xbox consoles. “We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because unless their policy or approach to it changes, they tell us they will welcome it,” the executive said. “And we'll be there, like day one.”
The Epic Games Store Xbox version hasn't actually started development yet
Many questions surrounding the purportedly inclusive nature of the next-gen Xbox console remain unanswered. At the moment, even Epic doesn't have an answer to offer, as Allison made it clear that the plan to launch the company's gaming market on Microsoft's next console is currently still in its infancy. The official noted that Microsoft will likely require Epic to “build in whatever their requirements are, some kind of software to support it,” giving a strong indication that no actual development has yet started in early 2026.
We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox because unless their policy or approach to it changes, they tell us they will welcome it. And we'll be there, like day one.
Epic also asked PlayStation and Nintendo to bring its store to their consoles
During the same interview, Allison said that Epic is also interested in bringing its storefront to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, adding that the company is talking to them about this possibility “all the time”. However, neither Sony nor Nintendo are particularly receptive to the idea at the moment. Allison explains that usually they “don't say no” but instead go with some variation of “not in our plans yet” when asked about the possibility of allowing third-party stores on their devices. So, as it stands right now, the next generation of Xbox seems to be on its way to bringing the first console ever with Epic Games Store support.
Epic can help define some next-gen Xbox policies
If Microsoft does indeed allow third-party storefronts on next-gen Xbox hardware, the Epic could serve as an early test of how open the ecosystem will be in practice, potentially shaping policies around security, refunds, certification and platform fees. Such a move would be in line with Epic's long-standing push to expand its marketplace across platforms, an effort that recently included the launch of a mobile version of the Epic Games Store in select regions.
Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
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Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
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In early February 2026, AMD CEO Lisa Su said the company's work on a semi-custom system-on-chip for Microsoft's next-generation console was “progressing well” and on track to support a 2027 launch. Some industry watchers interpreted the comments as pointing to a late 2027 release window for the next Xbox. However, the current uncertainty in the memory market may cause Microsoft to delay new hardware until the prices of key components stabilize, even if the console's SoC do stop being ready for mass production at that time.
