Rumor mill: Leaks, rumors, and feedback from Microsoft over the previous few years have fueled hypothesis that the corporate is essentially altering its console technique. If the most recent info is correct, the subsequent Xbox may basically be a Home windows PC with a console-style consumer interface that runs older Xbox video games by means of emulation.
A most up-to-date leak outlines Microsoft’s alleged plans to launch a console-like entrance finish for Home windows, permitting customers to put in Steam by way of the Microsoft Retailer, and launch an Xbox emulator for PC. Whereas some particulars align with earlier rumors, readers ought to take the knowledge with a large grain of salt.
Though the video beneath is in Spanish from leaker eXtas1s, a translated abstract by ResetEra consumer “P40L0” describes a console-style overlay for Home windows. Much like Steam’s Huge Image mode or the SteamOS interface, the brand new UI would help each PC gaming and the next-generation Xbox.
This whole idea ties form of completely into Microsoft’s long-standing objective of bettering the Home windows expertise on handheld gaming PCs – if that is in the end a path the corporate chooses to pursue.
The controller-friendly interface in SteamOS makes the Steam Deck considerably extra user-friendly than extra highly effective Home windows gadgets just like the Asus ROG Ally. Microsoft reportedly plans to handle this hole someday this 12 months. A leaked collaboration between Microsoft and Asus may very well be step one towards introducing an Xbox-style UI for Home windows.
Moreover, eXtas1s claims that Microsoft is internally testing a Steam installer accessible by means of the Microsoft Retailer. The launcher, titled “Steam DF Beta,” just isn’t meant for present Xbox consoles however slightly for Home windows, much like the present Epic Video games Retailer and Ubisoft Join apps obtainable on the platform.
The knowledge may be related to supposedly revamped Xbox app for Home windows that includes a Steam filter. Mixed with mockups of an upcoming Asus handheld, the leak suggests Microsoft is aiming to combine Steam extra seamlessly into the Home windows UI, making a extra console-like expertise for customers.
Microsoft can also be reportedly creating an emulator for Home windows that helps all the Xbox again catalog. If the subsequent Xbox features as a Home windows PC with a gamepad-friendly interface, this emulation-based backward compatibility would permit customers to hold over their present Xbox libraries.
Moreover, Recreation Move is anticipated to stay a cornerstone of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. Nonetheless, the corporate might quickly increase costs on present console and PC tiers whereas introducing new, extra reasonably priced choices.
