A new report claims that the next console from Microsoft will be a bold step forward, as the product could be a console/PC hybrid that will open the door to even more PlayStation-exclusive games. This year, Microsoft has increased its intentions to leave brand exclusivity behind, and if this report is correct, it could be a big change for the company.
Last week it was confirmed Halo will officially come to PS5. Changed to Halo: Campaign Evolvedthis Unreal Engine 5 remake of the beloved first-person shooter will be available on PS5 for the first time ever in 2026. Rumors of Halo franchise coming to PS5 has been hot this year, and with confirmation of Halo: Campaign Evolvedthe first official step has been taken. If a new rumor about Microsoft's next console is true, Halo may simply be the beginning of the company embracing the PlayStation crowd.
The next generation of Xbox could give users access to PlayStation games
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The next Xbox console will reportedly allow access to Windows.
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This will allow users to access non-Microsoft storefronts, such as Steam.
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Therefore, PlayStation exclusive games available on Steam can be played.
This report comes from Windows Central, and while Microsoft itself has yet to reveal its next-gen console, Xbox president Sarah Bond has hinted that this is the direction to expect from the company moving forward. When recently discussing the ROG Xbox Ally and the future of Xbox in an interview with Mashable, Bond said, “The next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very advanced curated experience. You start to see some of the thinking we put into this handheld.” While she remained fairly secretive during the interview, Windows Central's report is consistent with her previous statements.
It's been an eventful few months for Microsoft and Xbox. Between controversial layoffs, the success of ROG Xbox Ally, and the surprise price hike for Xbox Game Pass, the company has faced a series of highs and lows. With Bond's comments about the next wave of Xbox being a “premium” experience, allowing gamers to access PlayStation games through Steam would definitely be a strong selling point for some people.
The next generation console will be a very premium, very advanced curated experience. You start to see some of the thinking we put into this handheld.
Only time will tell if these reports are accurate, but the opportunity to be able to play God of war and The last of us on an Xbox console is definitely exciting. As Microsoft works to develop the Xbox brand, the eventual reveal of the next-gen Xbox is sure to be fascinating.
- Date founded
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April 4, 1975
- Head office
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Redmond, Washington, USA
- CEO
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Satya Nadella
- Subsidiary
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Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Mojang Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox Game Studios
