The next Xbox might run Windows with Steam support and full backward compatibility

[Daniel Sims]

Rumor mill: Leaks, rumors, and comments from Microsoft over the past few years have fueled speculation that the company is fundamentally changing its console strategy. If the latest information is accurate, the next Xbox could essentially be a Windows PC with a console-style user interface that runs older Xbox games through emulation.

A most recent leak outlines Microsoft's alleged plans to launch a console-like front end for Windows, allowing users to install Steam via the Microsoft Store, and release an Xbox emulator for PC. While some details align with previous rumors, readers should take the information with a sizable grain of salt.

Although the video below is in Spanish from leaker eXtas1s, a translated summary by ResetEra user "P40L0" describes a console-style overlay for Windows. Similar to Steam's Big Picture mode or the SteamOS interface, the new UI would support both PC gaming and the next-generation Xbox.

This entire concept ties kind of perfectly into Microsoft's long-standing goal of improving the Windows experience on handheld gaming PCs – if that's ultimately a path the company chooses to pursue.

The controller-friendly interface in SteamOS makes the Steam Deck significantly more user-friendly than more powerful Windows devices like the Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft reportedly plans to address this gap sometime this year. A leaked collaboration between Microsoft and Asus could be the first step toward introducing an Xbox-style UI for Windows.

Additionally, eXtas1s claims that Microsoft is internally testing a Steam installer accessible through the Microsoft Store. The launcher, titled "Steam DF Beta," is not intended for current Xbox consoles but rather for Windows, similar to the existing Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect apps available on the platform.

The information might be connected to supposedly revamped Xbox app for Windows featuring a Steam filter. Combined with mockups of an upcoming Asus handheld, the leak suggests Microsoft is aiming to integrate Steam more seamlessly into the Windows UI, creating a more console-like experience for users.

Microsoft is also reportedly developing an emulator for Windows that supports the entire Xbox back catalog. If the next Xbox functions as a Windows PC with a gamepad-friendly interface, this emulation-based backward compatibility would allow users to carry over their existing Xbox libraries.

Furthermore, Game Pass is expected to remain a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. However, the company may soon raise prices on existing console and PC tiers while introducing new, more affordable options.

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The next Xbox might run Windows with Steam support and full backward compatibility

 

[Squid Surprise]

So the new Xbox would just be a PC… fair enough, assuming its cost is competitive.

 

[Eldrach]

So the new Xbox would just be a PC… fair enough, assuming its cost is competitive.

With the new powerful APU’s from AMD - we’ve been heading there for a while. AMD would be able to produce a more powerhungry APU for a console thar should be well equipped to handle most games in an upscaled format. Think Z2 extreme with a 100+ watt powerlimit - which would allow them to stuff more cores and other goodies inside it without having battery life to worry about.

Or, we might get a Switch like version that just overclocks when docked.

There is a true market shift now - and it’s about time

 

[FaTaL]

Sony is gonna need to hire lawyers instead of engineers for next gen Playstation...

 

[whateversa]

If an xbox will run windows and can run games like Star Citizen (assuming it comes with enough RAM), no more need to buy an expensive PC... No one would need to buy an expensive nvidia GPU again. All games will probably just be optimized for xbox.

 

[Axeia]

Funnily enough if the Xbox becomes a PC and Sony doesn't change course it would mean no more exclusives.
I guess Microsoft doesn't want to get outplayed by Valve with its imminent SteamOS release and is finally putting effort into making Windows controller friendly.

It is surprising it took so long. If I was Microsoft the second the Steam deck came out I would have stuck a team on reviving Windows tile interface and making it work for controllers.

 

[The Talking Tech]

Since Xbox gave up on being a competitive gaming entity in every way possible with their games being multiplatform, this decision to become another Steam machine is not surprising at all.

 

[yRaz]

I wanna put linux on it

 

[umeng2002]

Without games, the Xbox is just a retarded PC.

 

[Demote6060]

I wanna put linux on it

As long as they don't lock it down, it would be a great machine to put Bazzite on.

I think overall this would be a positive for PC gaming. It would mean developers would have something they can target for performance minimums. The biggest question is how locked down this would be, as Microsoft will want to make up any losses from hardware with sales on their storefront.

 

[yRaz]

As long as they don't lock it down, it would be a great machine to put Bazzite on.

I think overall this would be a positive for PC gaming. It would mean developers would have something they can target for performance minimums. The biggest question is how locked down this would be, as Microsoft will want to make up any losses from hardware with sales on their storefront.

While Bazzite is great if gaming compatibility is your main concern, I'm honestly a really big fan of Mint for daily usability. Having an OS you can live with daily is more important than "just gaming". Too many Linux users are masochists and seemingly enjoy the struggle. The compatibility issues I see in Linux are fundamentally similar so I just wrote a bash script that I copy and past and basically just have to edit the file location anytime I experience it. It's a 30 second fix and I only have to use it maybe 15 times a year. Sure, I wouldn't have that issue with Bazzite, but I'd be trading easy of use and comfort to save myself less than 10 minutes a year of my time.

And, yes, most Linux users are Masochists, it's why Arch is so popular. Just because you can doesn't mean you should

 

[Squid Surprise]

If an xbox will run windows and can run games like Star Citizen (assuming it comes with enough RAM), no more need to buy an expensive PC... No one would need to buy an expensive nvidia GPU again. All games will probably just be optimized for xbox.

Interesting you would choose that game as your example… it’s not even officially released - and almost certainly never will be.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

Would be interesting to see what windows components will be excluded so it won't bog down the system. Although it's labeled as a windows pc, everything these days are a computer. Maybe a Windows lite version?