There have been a lot of rumors about the next-generation Xbox recently, and more and more reports point to the fact that it will use a hybrid solution that can run PC and Xbox games at the same time.The idea is to allow players to purchase games from any store (such as the Epic Games Store, Steam or Xbox Store) and manage them through a unified menu interface.

However, Valve clearly has a similar idea. On Wednesday night, they suddenly released the news of Steam Machine, which shocked everyone - a PC device in the form of a console that far exceeds the performance of contemporary consoles, allowing users to place a stylish controller in the TV cabinet to operate the computer.It stands to reason that this should put pressure on Microsoft, because the philosophies of both parties coincide.

Although there are multiple reports that the Xbox team is working on a similar device, it is generally believed that Microsoft will feel at least some pressure from this news.

But Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming business, responded to Valve's move in his usual style - he not only congratulated and appreciated the idea, but also pointed out that it will promote the growth of the gaming industry and is also beneficial to Microsoft, one of the largest publishers of Steam:

"The gaming industry moves forward when players and developers have more ways to play and create, especially across open platforms. Expanding access across PCs, consoles and handheld devices embodies a future built on freedom of choice, a core value that has guided the Xbox vision from the beginning. As one of the largest publishers on the Steam platform, we are excited to see players gain new options to play games everywhere. Congratulations on today's announcement."

If the rumors about Microsoft's next-generation Xbox are true, the device is expected to be released in 2027, but many players are looking forward to seeing official news next year, when Xbox will celebrate its 25th anniversary.