What’s Next for Xbox? It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like a PC

The future of Xbox is shaping up to be interesting, especially as Microsoft starts to blur the line between playing on an Xbox and a PC. Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has been dropping some exciting hints that big changes are on the way for the Xbox. Further, there have been some leaked memos talking about keeping old Xbox games playable and compatible with new systems. All signs are pointing to Xbox becoming more like a PC.

In a recent interview with Polygon, Spencer talked about a big change: letting the Xbox work with PC game stores like Epic Games Store and Itch.io. This is a huge deal because it would change how we think about Xbox as just a gaming console. Spencer wouldn’t bring this up if Microsoft wasn’t focused on it.

To make this happen, Xbox would need to handle running PC games. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your Xbox will suddenly turn into a regular computer with a Windows desktop. It’s more about making the Xbox more flexible for game development, similar to how PCs work. Microsoft has been working on this for a while with something called GameCore, which helps game developers make games that can easily work on both Xbox and PC.

Microsoft is also promising that the next Xbox will be a giant leap forward in technology. They’re also focusing on making sure all the great Xbox games we already have will still be playable on new Xbox systems, as shared in a memo from Xbox president Sarah Bond. It’s all about making the transition smoother and keeping our favorite titles around.

Opening up Xbox to work with other PC stores comes with its ups and downs. A couple of years ago, Microsoft said they’d let developers use different ways to handle in-app payments, which could shake up how they make money from Xbox. Since Xbox consoles are usually sold at a loss and they make up for it by selling games, allowing other stores on Xbox could make things a bit tricky financially.

Spencer also mentioned the idea of possibly having third-party Xbox consoles in the future. “So I think, what are the barriers? What are the things that create friction in today’s world for creators and players? And how can we be part of opening up that model?” said in the same interview with Polygon. While Microsoft isn’t planning to stop making its consoles, they’re thinking about how they can open up their software to support more types of hardware.

Another big idea is an Xbox handheld device, inspired by the success of Valve’s Steam Deck, which shows that you can have a great gaming experience on a small, portable device. Rumor has it that Microsoft is working on something similar that would blend Windows and Xbox into one seamless environment, but without showing all the Windows stuff on the surface.

The ultimate goal for Microsoft is to integrate Xbox and Windows so tightly that no matter where you are or what screen you’re using, it feels like you’re on an Xbox. This approach isn’t just about keeping up with new gadgets like the Steam Deck but about completely changing how we think about where and how we can play our games. If Microsoft pulls this off, soon we might not even think about whether we’re playing on an Xbox or a PC—we’ll just be playing.