The free cross-platform media player, VLC, is headed to the Xbox One. The media player is coming to Microsoft platforms through the Universal Windows Program or UWP. With UWP, a single application can run on multiple platforms, saving programmers from coding multiple times for the same application. It is not yet known if VLC will eventually be available on the PS4 and the NX, Nintendo's new console.
UWP and Microsoft Xbox One
Microsoft has implemented UWP to make it easier for users to access their apps across all Microsoft platforms. UWP extends Xbox One games to the PC, but the Xbox One benefits the most, giving it access to many applications usually reserved for PCs and cell phones. VLC is one of those applications. With VLC, Xbox One owners will now have access to the multiple video and audio files supported by the media player. VLC is currently in the preview phase, but will be available for the Xbox One and other Microsoft platforms this summer.
Media player for PS4
Sony released its own media player for the PS4 in 2015, giving users access to multiple file types. Access to VLC would increase the number of file types supported on the PS4. It remains to be seen if the PS4 will receive the app at some point. With a summer release of VLC on Microsoft platforms and the Xbox One, how long before the media player is converted to other gaming consoles?
Nintendo and the NX
The Wii U is on its way out, and Nintendo is about to announce its next console to compete with the PS4 and Xbox One. Nintendo's next console will be released three years into the current console cycle, forcing Nintendo to catch up. The Wii and Wii U did not have their own media player. Users had to get creative to find ways to play media on their Nintendo systems. As the next system approaches, Nintendo would be wise to consider a media player.