Microsoft has inadvertently revealed what seems to be an upcoming Xbox UI update, showcasing a feature that would allow players to view all their PC games installed via platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and others. This potential development was hinted at in a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," as reported by The Verge. The post originally featured an image displaying Xbox Series X | S consoles, alongside other devices. A keen observer might notice a tab labeled "Steam" on some of the screens, an unusual detail considering Valve's platform doesn't traditionally integrate with Microsoft's gaming hardware in this manner. The image was swiftly removed from the post, suggesting that the reveal was unintentional.
According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is indeed exploring a UI update that would connect users to their libraries across various PC storefronts. This feature would enable players to see all games installed on their PCs and identify the platforms from which they were purchased. However, the update is still in its "early stages," indicating that a rollout, if it happens at all, is not imminent.
The inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is noteworthy. Over the past decade, Microsoft has progressively expanded its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms. Notable examples include Pentiment and Grounded being released on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation.
Microsoft's strategy has been to increasingly merge the Xbox and PC gaming experiences. This approach was underscored by the recent "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the variety of devices on which Xbox games can be played. In an interview with Polygon last year, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible directly on Xbox hardware.
Looking further ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-generation Xbox, expected around 2027, is said to resemble a PC more closely than any previous Xbox model, continuing the trend of blurring the lines between console and PC gaming.
Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.
