A huge rumor surfaced recently regarding the Xbox Series X, one that might bring mayhem to the console war. According to this rumor, the Xbox Series X will include a Windows mode that will let you use PC applications like Steam and the Epic Store. As the rumor suggests, the new generation of Xbox consoles will include a boot mode called “Windows Mode” that will let you switch your operating system to Windows 10 practically letting you use your console as a PC. Using the new Wireless Display app, Xbox One owners can play PC games from Steam or other clients on their consoles. The app essentially gives an Xbox One console remote access to your PC and casts the screen to your TV, effectively turning an Xbox One into a Steam Link. The new feature is not limited to gaming, however but all applications.

“I honestly felt this coming eventually, with Xbox and PlayStation competition going on Xbox merging with Steam will give it a way higher advantage over PlayStation as Xbox and PC players join together. I am really excited as I am personally an Xbox player and I also have some friends who play PC that I’m going to be able to play with now.” stated junior Jonathan Polohronakis.

Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. The brand consists of five video game consoles, as well as applications, streaming services, an online service by the name of Xbox Live, and the development arm by the name of Xbox Game Studios. The brand was first introduced in the United States in November 2001, with the launch of the original Xbox console.

“Wow, this is going to be a big change for gamers, I’m excited for this as I play a decent amount of both Xbox and Steam but being able to access both from my console will be amazing. I have friends on steam and on Xbox that I play with and now we will all be able to play together which just sounds amazing to me.” junior Jakob Hilp said. “I did actually hear about this but didn’t think much on the matter as I was too lazy to do research, but I am going to be very happy if this does happen.”

Steam is a video game digital distribution service by Valve. It was launched as a standalone software client in September 2003 as a way for Valve to provide automatic updates for their games and expanded to include games from third-party publishers. However, some believe that the update may be outdated for some players.

“I do believe I have heard this before, unfortunately I only play steam now. I used to play a little bit of Xbox and Steam but after a while Xbox just wasn’t as fun as steam for me anymore, but it is cool that they might be joining together because I will be able to play with my friends from Xbox while still being on my computer because I don’t see myself moving back to Xbox.” junior Marcos Ramos stated.

According to Xbox they report that they now have the option to import their Steam friends into Xbox Live, which was not the case before. Apparently, the option has been added in the latest Xbox mobile app update on iOS.

With the possibility of Xbox and Steam merging together to create a cross player platform that will combine Xbox players with PC players Xbox may have a higher advantage over PlayStation. They have however started this cross-playing ability with the fact that you can now have the option to import their Steam friends into Xbox Live, which was not the case before. There is not a confirmed date on when the ability to fully cross play but is expected to be with new generation Xboxes.