Key Takeaways
- The next-gen Xbox could run a full Windows OS, allowing access to PC platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store.
- This may enable Xbox players to enjoy former PlayStation exclusives such as God of War and Spider-Man.
- Microsoft’s strategy signals the true end of the console wars, focusing on gaming accessibility over exclusivity.
Xbox’s Next Chapter: Breaking Down the Platform Walls
A new report from Windows Central’s Jez Corden has stirred excitement across the gaming world — and for good reason. According to Corden, the next-generation Xbox console may fully embrace Windows OS, effectively merging the worlds of console and PC gaming. If true, this could make long-standing PlayStation exclusives like God of War and Insomniac’s Spider-Man series playable on Xbox for the first time.
For decades, gaming has been defined by the “console wars,” with Xbox and PlayStation battling for exclusive titles and loyal players. But this latest move by Microsoft could redefine what a gaming ecosystem means — not by fighting for exclusives, but by eliminating the very concept of exclusivity.
A Full Windows Experience on Console
Corden’s report claims that the new Xbox will run a full version of Windows, granting users direct access to PC game storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net. This would dramatically expand the console’s playable library, as any game available on Windows could, in theory, run on the new Xbox.
Steam already supports PC ports of God of War and Spider-Man Remastered — games once thought permanently locked to PlayStation. With a Windows-based Xbox, players might soon experience these titles without needing a separate gaming PC.
In addition, the console is said to be developed in partnership with AMD, promising next-gen performance and native support for all Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles. This would make it Microsoft’s most backward-compatible console to date.
No Paywalls, No Barriers
Another striking detail from the report is that the new Xbox may remove multiplayer paywalls and subscription requirements. This approach mirrors the PC gaming model, where players can access online multiplayer freely without needing a service like Xbox Game Pass Core or PlayStation Plus.
If implemented, this would represent a major philosophical shift for console gaming — one that prioritizes accessibility and openness over proprietary ecosystems. It’s a model that aligns with Microsoft’s broader push toward cloud gaming, cross-platform integration, and service-based revenue.
The End of the Console Wars?
Xbox president Matt Booty recently commented that the company no longer sees Sony or Nintendo as direct competitors. Instead, he noted, “Our competition is everything from TikTok to movies.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that today’s entertainment landscape is more about engagement than hardware dominance.
This cultural shift was further underscored when Halo, Xbox’s flagship franchise, was announced for PlayStation — a move once unimaginable. In a symbolic twist, even U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly “saluted the end of the console war,” a phrase that captures the surreal but inevitable merging of once-divided platforms.
What It Means for Gamers
For players, this rumored change represents something monumental: a future where hardware no longer limits what you can play. Whether you prefer a console or PC setup, the focus is moving toward unified access, performance, and experience.
Of course, Microsoft has yet to confirm these reports, and the details remain speculative. But if the next-gen Xbox truly runs on Windows and integrates with major PC storefronts, it could mark the most significant evolution in console history — one where choice replaces competition.
In Summary
The idea of playing God of War or Spider-Man on an Xbox would have sounded impossible a decade ago. Yet in 2025, it may be the new normal. By bridging the gap between PC and console gaming, Microsoft seems less interested in “winning” the console war and more focused on ending it — for good.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
