The next-gen Xbox is widely expected to be a PC-console hybrid, and now, we finally have a report that sheds light on what to expect. Jez Corden of Windows Central has cited unnamed “trusted sources” to offer interesting tidbits about Microsoft’s plans for the upcoming console. The biggest highlight is the possibility that the next-gen Xbox will be able to play PlayStation games that have been released for PC. It will offer access to a variety of PC game stores and free multiplayer support.
Next-gen Xbox to Deliver the Best of Console and PC Gaming
The next-gen Xbox is expected to offer an experience similar to what we get with the ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds. The user experience will be the same as the familiar Xbox console on the outside. Underneath, it will have complete Windows support, but optimized for your big screen TVs. Players will be able to switch between the full Xbox or Windows experience whenever they want. This will work the same as it does with the Xbox Full Screen Experience.
Windows experience will allow players to enjoy PC games directly on their console and big screens. It will be compatible with various PC game stores, including Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store. This is what will make it possible for players to play PC-released PlayStation games like God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and Ghost of Tsushima on Xbox. All they will need to do is sign into the Steam or Epic Games account and download the desired video game. This means the next-gen Xbox console will also be able to play the likes of World of Warcraft via Battle.net launcher and League of Legends via Riot Launcher.
The report says Microsoft is busy optimizing the new platform for TVs and controllers. After all, support for these new stores and launchers will not mean anything if they are not well-optimized. It means if everything goes as planned, the upcoming Xbox console could very well be a single hub for gamers.
The latest report surely falls in line with what we have heard through official Xbox channels in recent times. Sarah Bond, Xbox President, has already confirmed that the next-gen Xbox will run Windows and will not be locked to just one store. She described the console as a “very premium, very high-end curated experience”. This is a clear indication that the next-gen Xbox console will cost a lot more than the currently available Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. If you are wondering when you can expect to get your hands on the next generation of consoles, it is very unlikely to happen before 2027.
