- Ex-Xbox executive Mike Ybarra teases that Microsoft might just launch a SteamOS console in the future.
- He believes Xbox should adopt SteamOS for a console if Valve lets third parties use the OS.
- SteamOS will do extremely well with third-party vendors and will cause Steam revenue to further soar.
The Steam Machine has been in the spotlight since Valve announced its new set of hardware for the near future. Gamers have praised the idea of a console-like PC, which Xbox is also exploring for next-gen. But users are pretty upset about its presumed PC-like pricing.
Regardless, the device has been praised by multiple industry figures since its reveal. Now, former Xbox executive and ex-Blizzard president Mike Ybarra implies that Microsoft may launch SteamOS consoles if Valve were to allow third parties to use its signature OS.
Why it matters: It’s entirely possible for Microsoft to adopt SteamOS for a console if Valve allows third parties to use the OS in the future, given its new platform-agnostic and transparent outlook towards hardware.
On Twitter, Mike requests that Valve should let third parties use SteamOS for their hardware, clarifying that the OS will perform better and even make Steam earn more, adding to the company’s already massive yearly revenue.
He also wants Valve to launch Steam OS with many different configurations. Rumors suggest Valve is already open to the idea of a Steam Machine Pro model, which could come with much higher specs and price.
This is what Xbox should do, btw. […] They could do GREAT if they embraced SteamOS on HW.
-Mike Ybarra, former Xbox executive.
Regardless, third-party vendors like ASUS are already producing Xbox-brand products like the ROG Ally X. Mike believes that Microsoft’s new multiplatform approach will let it easily adopt SteamOS for a future device if Valve gives the green light.
However, there could be many issues with a SteamOS console, as the Linux-based platform lacks decent anti-cheat support. It means multiplayer titles like Battlefield 6 and Fortnite may not work on such a device.
We’ll see how Valve finds a workaround with its upcoming Steam Machine.
Do you think Microsoft should create a third-party console based on SteamOS in the future? Would such a partnership work out for both brands? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devotedly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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