Epic Games Store Plans Day-One Launch on Next Xbox Console

The Epic Games Store plans to launch on Microsoft’s next Xbox console on the same day the hardware releases, according to Epic Games Store head Steve Allison. In an interview with Game File, Allison stated Epic has been in discussions with Microsoft to bring its storefront to the upcoming platform as a native app.

The plan is tied to expectations that the next Xbox system will function as a console and PC hybrid, capable of supporting multiple storefronts alongside the Xbox marketplace. Allison indicated Epic intends to participate at launch, provided Microsoft maintains its current platform openness and technical pathway for third-party stores.

“We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox,” Allison said, adding that the company aims to be there “on day one” and will build the software needed to meet the console’s technical requirements.

Epic Games Store Expansion Strategy, Handheld Access, and Hybrid Xbox Signals

Allison’s remarks came while discussing the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds. The Windows-based devices boot into an Xbox interface while offering access to storefronts including Battle.net, Steam, Ubisoft Connect, GOG, and the EA App. 

The Epic Games Store is linked on the devices, but it currently redirects users to the standard PC launcher rather than a controller-optimized native app.

He mentioned that Epic has not yet built dedicated handheld applications, noting, “we haven’t built the apps for those that we need to build.” Allison added that improving the store and launcher remains the company’s immediate priority before handheld expansion. Epic launched its mobile store in 2024, years after first outlining its mobile expansion plans.

Meanwhile, performance figures shared by Allison show the store reached 67M average monthly active users in 2025, alongside a 16% conversion rate from free-game users. The platform also generated $400 million USD in third-party game revenue.

Taken together, these signals suggest Microsoft’s next Xbox will adopt a multi-storefront model. The approach would mirror the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, which provide access to multiple PC game stores through a unified interface.