The launch window for the next generation of consoles is still unknown, but when it happens, Epic Games plans to have its store on one of the major systems on “day one.” According to Epic’s Steve Allison, Microsoft has already conveyed that the Epic Games Store is welcome on the new Xbox console.
“We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox,” Allison told Game File. “Because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that. And we’re going 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.”
If that goes forward, it could change the fundamental way that console players purchase digital games. PC gamers are able to use any digital marketplace, but Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have their own proprietary gaming outlets. It’s been a closed ecosystem through the current console generation. Adding Epic Games Store to the next Xbox would essentially be inviting players to spend money at a rival to the Xbox store that would have otherwise gone to Microsoft. It could also lead to pricing wars, if games available on both storefronts are cheaper on the other outlet.
Would Microsoft really allow Epic to undercut its digital sales? And would adding Epic Games Store increase sales for Xbox? Game File notes that 2025 was a record year for Epic Games, with $400 million in game sales from third-party games.
Microsoft has already allowed Steam and the Ubisoft store on the ROG Xbox Ally X, which could be a glimpse of Xbox’s console future as well. Epic is currently absent from that handheld console, but Allison indicated that was due to the company’s focus on improving player experience on the store and launcher.
“We haven’t built the apps for those that we need to build,” said Allison. “I would love to see us on the handhelds.”
Epic has previously noted that it plans to step up its live-service content on Fortnite. Late last year, Epic and Google settled their long-running legal battle, paving the way for Epic Games Store to return to Android and Google Play. Allison also recently stated that Epic wants to co-exist with Steam on PC while also attracting new customers.
