Xbox's next-gen console leaves PlayStation gamers divided

Within the next couple of years, next-gen consoles will be arriving whether we’re ready for them to or not.

As such, the industry is already alright with chatter concerning what we can expect.

It’s Xbox that’s mainly been dominating the headlines with Microsoft seemingly eager to get its next-gen console out ahead of Sony’s PlayStation counterpart.

Insiders claim that an Xbox handheld device is on the cards this year which is to be followed by a new console in 2027.

It’s believed that the handheld will feature PC functionality, likely granting users access to platforms like Steam.

I should stress though that this hasn’t been confirmed, so do bear that in mind.

Despite that, many are wondering whether Microsoft’s next-gen console may also incorporate similar elements.

If so, what might that mean for PlayStation titles available via Steam?

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is finally landing on PLayStation next month, on 17 April.

There’s a lot to unpack here so let me break it down.

PlayStation has, in recent years, expanded its PC output, porting several major games to PC including the likes of The Last of Us Part II Remastered and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

These games are available to purchase via Steam.

What the company hasn’t done is port any games to Xbox, but if Microsoft was to add Steam access to Xbox’s next-gen consoles, does that mean Xbox users would suddenly gain access to PlayStation titles through this loophole?

“For those saying PlayStation can’t block their games on Steam arbitrarily from an ‘Xbox’ PC, they absolutely 100% can,” wrote Windows Central’s Jez Corden.

“GeForce Now found this out the hard way.”

Although the plot thickens, because The Verge’s Tom Warren had this to say in response: “GFN was about how games were distributed without consulting publishers. That wasn't anything to do with Valve, and I'd doubt the Steam publishing agreement even allows you to block specific Windows devices.”

The truth is that we’re entering uncharted territory.

In previous generations, Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation tended to keep to themselves.

But we’re now in an era where cross-play and the porting of exclusives is becoming more sought after by players who don’t want to have to fork out for every console on the market to play the games that appeal to them.

It’s with that in mind that I don’t have an answer as to what will happen.

All I can say is that Xbox’s next console is, if the PC elements are to be believed, shaping up to be something unlike we’ve seen the company produce before.