Epic Games Store in Discussions for Xbox Handheld Console Launch
Steve Allison, the head of the Epic Games Store, has confirmed that the company is actively engaged in discussions with Microsoft regarding the integration of its storefront onto the forthcoming Xbox handheld console. This move could significantly expand Epic's reach in the portable gaming market, aligning with Microsoft's broader strategy for its next-generation hardware.
Current Challenges and Priorities
In a recent interview with Game File, Allison acknowledged that Epic has not yet developed dedicated applications for existing Xbox handheld consoles, such as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. He emphasized that the company's primary focus at this time is on enhancing the overall store and launcher experience. "We haven't built the apps for those that we need to build," Allison stated, indicating that after these improvements, Epic will shift its attention to creating optimized apps for handheld PCs.
Currently, handheld PCs like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X run an Xbox app and provide access to various other digital stores, including Steam, GOG, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, and the EA App. While these devices include a link to the Epic Games Store, it merely redirects users to the standard PC version of the launcher, which lacks dedicated controller support and optimization for handheld use.
Plans for the Next Xbox Console
Allison revealed that Epic Games intends to make its store available on the new Xbox console from the very first day of its release, offering a native app that will grant access to Epic's extensive PC game library. "We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they're going to welcome that. And we're going be there, like, on day one," he explained. This will likely require Epic to develop specific software to meet Microsoft's requirements for the platform.
The next Xbox console is anticipated to be a hybrid system capable of running both Xbox and PC games, with support for multiple digital storefronts. This aligns with insights from October 2025, when YouTuber Moore's Law is Dead shared a video showcasing what he claimed to be the primary processor for the next Xbox, suggesting Microsoft is positioning it as a versatile device.
Microsoft's Vision for Handheld Gaming
Later in October 2025, Xbox president Sarah Bond hinted that the next Xbox console would incorporate some of the design philosophies seen in the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds, particularly their ability to access various stores. In an interview with Mashable, Bond remarked, "Well, I can tell you you're right, that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end curated experience. You're starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld, but I don't want to give it all away." This statement reinforces the expectation of a more open ecosystem for the upcoming hardware.
The potential collaboration between Epic Games and Microsoft could mark a significant shift in the handheld gaming landscape, offering players greater choice and convenience. As discussions progress, the gaming community eagerly awaits further details on how this partnership will unfold and what it means for the future of portable gaming experiences.
