Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox that could integrate PC gaming libraries into its UI. A now-removed image from a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox" showcased a "Steam" tab on various device screens, hinting at a future where Xbox users can view all their PC games from Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms directly on their consoles.
Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.
This unexpected glimpse into Xbox's future development was quickly spotted and shared by The Verge. The inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is surprising, given the lack of current integration between Valve's digital storefront and Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image's removal from the blog post suggests that the reveal was premature.
According to The Verge, sources have confirmed that Microsoft is working on this update, which would allow users to see their entire PC game library, including which storefronts the games were purchased from. However, the project is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout should be expected.
This potential feature aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to merge the Xbox and PC gaming experiences. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other platforms, with games like Pentiment and Grounded now available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also persistent rumors about the Master Chief Collection coming to PlayStation.
Microsoft's recent "This is an Xbox" campaign further emphasizes the company's vision of playing Xbox games across multiple devices. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed interest in integrating other PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store into Xbox hardware.
Looking ahead, Microsoft's next-gen Xbox, expected in 2027, is rumored to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, suggesting a continued convergence of the two platforms.
