Epic Games Store Set to Launch on Next-Gen Xbox Consoles from Day One

In a recent interview with Game File, Steve Allison, the head of the Epic Games Store, revealed that Epic is actively preparing to bring its digital storefront to Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox consoles right at launch. This move aligns with ongoing discussions between Epic and Microsoft, signaling a potential shift toward a more open ecosystem for Xbox hardware.

Allison confirmed that Epic is in talks with Microsoft to ensure users can access the Epic Games Store natively on the upcoming system. “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,” he stated. “And we’re going to 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.”

This announcement lends credence to persistent rumors that the next Xbox will function as a hybrid device, blending traditional console gaming with PC-like capabilities. Such a design could allow the console to run not only titles from the Microsoft Store but also PC games from third-party platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, expanding options for players and potentially reducing platform exclusivity.

Beyond consoles, Allison touched on Epic’s broader ambitions for portable gaming. The company is exploring a dedicated app optimized for controller use on handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Ally X. However, he emphasized that Epic’s current focus remains on enhancing the core Epic Games Store client before prioritizing these adaptations. “We haven’t built the apps for those that we need to build,” Allison noted, highlighting the need for tailored experiences on emerging hardware.

Epic’s push into console and handheld spaces comes amid growing user numbers for the store, with Allison reporting an average of 67 million monthly active users in 2025. This expansion could further challenge competitors like Steam, especially if Microsoft’s next Xbox embraces a more PC-integrated approach.

As details about the next-gen Xbox remain under wraps, Epic’s commitment underscores a evolving landscape in gaming distribution, where cross-platform accessibility is becoming increasingly central.