A senior official from Epic Games revealed that the next-gen products are as follows: xbox The console will have access to the Epic Games Store from day one. There are still a lot of details to work out, but the current plan is for Epic to be deeply involved in Microsoft's efforts to make next-generation Xbox hardware more open and publisher-inclusive.
Several reports appearing online throughout 2025 have claimed that the next-generation Xbox system will be a PC/console hybrid. This allows developers to treat it like a standard PC configuration in an integrated software development kit (potentially an updated version of the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK)). It could also ship with multiple gaming stores, similar to the recently released ROG Xbox Ally portable lineup, which comes with Xbox Store and Steam pre-installed. This rumor received further fuel from a recent statement from Microsoft that described the future Xbox ecosystem as more open and platform-agnostic, with an emphasis on seamless gameplay continuity across multiple device types.
Epic Games Store is coming to next-gen Xbox consoles
In a new interview with Game File, Epic Games Store General Manager Steve Allison confirmed: fortnite Manufacturers have taken note of Microsoft's open approach to its next-generation consoles. We also plan to leverage this by launching the Epic Games Store for Xbox consoles in the future. “We plan to use new hardware for Xbox because we are saying we will welcome it as long as there is no change in policy or stance on this,” the executive said. “And we will be there on the first day.”
The Epic Games Store Xbox version hasn't actually started development yet.
Many questions surrounding the storefront inclusion nature of the next-gen Xbox consoles remain to be answered. For the time being, not even Epic can provide an answer. That's because Allison made it clear that plans to launch the company's gaming marketplace on Microsoft's next console are currently in the early stages. The official noted that Microsoft will require Epic to “build some kind of software to support whatever the requirements are,” thus strongly suggesting that actual development has not yet begun as of early 2026.
We definitely plan on using the new hardware for Xbox. Because they are saying that they will welcome it as long as the policy or position on it does not change. And we will be there on the first day.
Epic has also reached out to PlayStation and Nintendo about bringing the store to consoles.
In the same interview, Allison said that Epic is also interested in bringing its store to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, adding that the company is talking about this possibility “all the time.” However, neither Sony nor Nintendo are particularly receptive to this idea for the time being. Allison explains that she generally doesn't say “no” and instead uses some variation of “we're not planning on it yet” when inquiring about the possibility of allowing third-party stores on her device. So, as things stand now, it looks like the next-gen Xbox will be the first console to support the Epic Games Store.
Epic could help define some next-gen Xbox policies.
If Microsoft allows third-party stores on next-generation Xbox hardware, Epic could serve as an early test of how open its ecosystem really is, potentially shaping its policies around security, refunds, authentication, and platform fees. The move is consistent with Epic's long-standing efforts to expand its marketplace across platforms, efforts that have recently included the launch of mobile versions of the Epic Games Store in some regions.
Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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In early February 2026, AMD Chief Executive Officer Lisa Su said the company's work on a semi-custom system-on-chip for Microsoft's next-generation consoles was “progressing well” and was expected to support a 2027 launch. Some industry observers interpreted this statement as referring to a late 2027 launch window for the next Xbox. However, due to the current uncertainty in the memory market, Microsoft may delay new hardware until the prices of key components stabilize, even if the console's SoC does. do By then it will be ready for mass production.
