A senior Epic Games official has signaled that the next-gen Xbox console will have access to the Epic Games Store from day one. While there are plenty of details left to iron 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 throughout 2025 have alleged that the next-gen Xbox system will be a PC/console hybrid. This would allow developers to treat it like a standard PC configuration in a unified software development kit, potentially an updated version of the Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK). It would also allow it to ship with multiple game storefronts, similar to the recently launched ROG Xbox Ally handheld lineup, which comes with Xbox Store and Steam pre-installed. The rumors gained further weight from recent Microsoft statements that describe 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 Console
In a new interview with Game File, Epic Games Store General Manager Steve Allison confirmed that the Fortnite maker has taken notice of Microsoft’s open approach to the next console generation. Moreover, it plans to take advantage of 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 stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that,” the executive said. “And we’re going to be there, like, on day one.”
Epic Games Store Xbox Version Hasn’t Actually Started Development Yet
Many questions surrounding the alleged storefront-inclusive nature of the next-gen Xbox console remain unanswered. For the time being, not even Epic has answers to offer, as Allison made it clear that the plan to launch the company’s game marketplace on Microsoft’s next console is currently still in its infancy. The official noted that Microsoft will probably require Epic to “build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that,” thus giving a strong indication that no actual development has yet started as of early 2026.
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. And we’re going to be there, like, on day one.
Epic Also Asked PlayStation and Nintendo About Bringing Its Store to Their Consoles
During the same interview, Allison said Epic is also interested in bringing its storefront to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, adding that the company talks to them about this possibility “all the time.” However, neither Sony nor Nintendo is particularly receptive to the idea for the time being. Allison explains that typically, “they don’t say no” but instead go with some variation of “not in our plans yet” when inquired about the possibility of allowing third-party stores on their devices. So, as things currently stand, the next Xbox generation seems to be on track to yield the first-ever console with Epic Games Store support.
Epic Could Help Define Some Next-Gen Xbox Policies
If Microsoft truly allows third-party storefronts on the next-generation Xbox hardware, 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 align with Epic’s long-standing push to expand its marketplace across platforms, an effort that recently included the rollout of a mobile version of the Epic Games Store in select regions.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
In early February 2026, AMD Chief Executive 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 remarks as pointing to a late 2027 release window for the next Xbox. However, the current uncertainty in the memory market could prompt Microsoft to delay new hardware until key component prices stabilize, even if the console’s SoC does end up being ready for mass production by that time.
