There’s been a lot of buzz about the next Xbox potentially having PC features, like the ability to run Steam and Epic Games Store. But here’s the thing: Microsoft and other console makers usually sell their consoles at low prices or even at a loss to attract users to their ecosystems. Once users are onboard, they make money from accessories, game sales (taking around 30% of that), and subscription fees for online services.
If they introduce third-party stores on their systems, that income stream could dry up significantly. For an Xbox PC to genuinely work, it would likely need to be priced higher than traditional consoles to cover these potential losses. Plus, consoles are known for their great performance because they have fixed hardware and minimal OS overhead. Switching to a PC operating system might slow things down due to the extra overhead. So for those who are holding out hope for Steam to make its way onto the next Xbox, how do you think this would work out financially for Microsoft? We get that it sounds great for gamers, but does it make sense for MS or Valve?
7 Answers
I think many are just wishing for a better Xbox. With the current direction, there’s really no compelling reason to opt for another one. The idea of having Steam and other services seems to be the only feature that could set an Xbox apart, especially for those loyal users who want to justify staying in the ecosystem.
If they really go down this path, the console would need to be profitable, not just a casing for losses. Think about it: hardware sales would have to be more competitive. They could still sell Game Pass subscriptions and let people buy from Steam, blending both markets.
Totally! Plus, Microsoft might not need to rely on exclusive titles anymore since they’ve been buying up major publishers, potentially capitalizing on any game sales through other storefronts.
Honestly, I don’t see a strong business case. Microsoft could lose huge amounts of money on subscriptions and software sales if they go the PC route. Plus, what makes consoles appealing is that they’re easy to use. If they start opening up to third-party stores, it complicates that, and they already have Game Pass providing a good alternative for PC users.
I do see your point about simplicity, but if they maintained fixed hardware, they’d still have a console-like experience even with more choices. It’s not as black and white.
Honestly, I think they’re just following a trend. With other companies moving towards cloud and portable gaming, they may see combining different platforms as a way to compete—not just in sales but in relevance in a shifting market.
Right, they’re evolving because they need to. Keeping up with consoles like the PS and Switch while still trying to innovate their own path can be tricky.
I doubt there will be a total loss for Microsoft. They’d probably strike some kind of deal to get a cut from those third-party sales. In terms of performance, I can see it being like a budget gaming PC instead of heavily overpriced. I get that many people have emotional ties to Xbox, and for some, paying a little extra to have access to both their Steam library and their friends is definitely worth it.
But why would Steam benefit from giving Microsoft a cut? They’ve got 132 million active users and probably don’t need Xbox; they’d wanna stick to their PC revenue.
They need a console to keep Game Pass relevant. If Xbox had Steam features, it might keep current players hooked and even attract some casual gamers who might see it as a more budget-friendly entry into PC gaming.
In the end, the goal is probably to get Game Pass everywhere and expand their reach. If having Steam on Xbox helps grow subscriptions, that’s a win for them even if they compromise some store profits.
Exactly! They may not see the same upfront profits, but having more gamers would likely boost their long-term revenue!
Exactly! It seems like people are just trying to hold onto their emotional connection to the brand while ignoring the reality of Microsoft’s uncertain path.