The Epic Games Store could be gearing up for a much bigger role on the next Xbox console, as new comments from Epic leadership suggest the company is actively thinking about how its launcher would work on a living-room gaming system.
Even though Steam still dominates PC game storefronts, the Epic Games Store has continued to grow by improving sales performance and bringing in new users. The next logical step is expansion beyond traditional PCs, and that’s where Xbox enters the conversation. In a recent interview, Epic’s VP and GM, Steve Allison, discussed what it might take for Epic’s storefront to compete on Microsoft’s next-generation hardware—especially if that hardware ends up behaving more like a PC/console hybrid.
Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed that the next Xbox will support third-party PC storefronts like Epic Games Store or Steam. However, ongoing rumors point to a future Xbox platform that leans heavily on Windows, which could make multiple marketplaces possible in a way console players aren’t used to today. Adding to that idea, Xbox leadership has also signaled a future where games won’t be tied to a single store, fueling speculation that the next Xbox ecosystem could look more like an open PC-style environment.
Allison indicated that Epic has already discussed the possibility with Microsoft and made it clear Epic would show up if the door opens. The catch is that Epic would likely need to build a dedicated app experience designed specifically for Xbox hardware.
That’s a major point, because the Epic Games Store in its current form is built for desktop and laptop use. It isn’t optimized for a controller-first experience on a couch. Many players who want a more “console-like” interface on PC often rely on controller-friendly viewing modes offered by other platforms, which make it easier to browse games, manage libraries, and navigate menus from a distance. Xbox itself also emphasizes controller navigation with its full-screen interface style. For Epic to be a realistic option on a next-gen Xbox, it would need something similar: a large-screen, controller-optimized Epic Games Store experience that feels natural on a TV.
As for timing, a console-friendly Epic Games Store interface isn’t ready yet. Allison described the improved UI as more of a concept for now, suggesting it won’t appear immediately. Based on his comments, it sounds unlikely to launch this year, with a more realistic window being sometime next year—especially as Epic considers how its store should work across more device types, including handheld-style systems.
Beyond interface changes, Epic reportedly has bigger technical upgrades in motion. A newer version of the launcher may arrive as early as May or June, featuring rewritten code aimed at improving performance and reducing background resource usage. That matters for any platform, but it becomes even more important on a console-like device where speed, responsiveness, and low overhead can make or break the user experience. Epic is also working on social improvements that could help it compete more directly with Steam’s community-focused features.
If Microsoft truly moves toward a more open Xbox ecosystem—one where multiple PC storefronts can coexist—Epic appears ready to take advantage of it. The remaining question is whether Epic can deliver a polished, controller-first Epic Games Store app that feels right at home on a next-generation Xbox console.
