Copyright Digital Trends
What’s happened? Microsoft’s October 2025 Game Development Kit pushes Xbox development closer to Windows. The update focuses on a single input model, simpler packaging, cross-store saves, and a toolchain that preps the next console to behave more like a PC. Microsoft outlined the update in its October 2025 video, with reports from Windows Central describing it as a move toward a more PC-like Xbox that also plays nice with Steam and handhelds. One input system covers keyboard, mouse, and controllers, so behavior matches on Xbox and Windows. Studios can prep one build that targets different chip types, which helps as Arm-based Windows devices grow. A new packaging app and a cloud saves preview aim to smooth updates and let progress travel between Xbox and Steam. This is important because: When development looks the same on Xbox and Windows, studios spend less time fighting tools and more time shipping fixes and features. Players should feel that in day-to-day play. One controls layer means fewer odd controller hiccups. Building for more devices at once can shorten release cycles. A cleaner packaging flow should cut down on patch headaches. Cloud saves and Xbox invites reaching PC and handhelds make co-op and progression feel consistent. Recommended Videos Why should I care? Your games should behave more uniformly from living room to laptop, and even on a Steam Deck-style handheld. Fewer surprises, quicker updates, and saves that stay wherever you pick up. Controls feel familiar across screens, which helps muscle memory. Start on Xbox, continue on Steam, no manual file juggling. Join friends with the same invite flow, even on portable PCs. Okay, so what’s next? All signs point to a next Xbox that acts more like a Windows gaming profile than a sealed console. That’s good for handheld play, social features, and updates that land closer together. Microsoft is testing a Windows handheld mode that looks and feels like a console front-end. If Arm hardware continues to rise, expect quieter boxes and better battery life on portable PCs. Xbox identity and invites reaching devices like Steam Deck hint at co-op that follows you anywhere. With these changes rolling out now, your next Xbox console might just be more Windows-like.
