Microsoft Releases and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox users through a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." As reported by The Verge, an image within the post showcased various devices, including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, and tablets. A keen observation revealed a "Steam" tab on some of the device screens, hinting at a possible integration with Valve's digital PC storefront.

Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.

This unexpected glimpse into the future of Xbox UI suggests that Microsoft might be developing a feature allowing players to view all their PC games installed through various platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store directly from their Xbox. The image was quickly removed from the blog post, indicating that the feature was not meant to be public yet.

According to The Verge, Microsoft is in the early stages of this development, and no immediate rollout is expected. If implemented, this update could significantly enhance the user experience by providing a unified view of games across different PC storefronts.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

The inclusion of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is noteworthy. Microsoft has been progressively expanding its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms. Notable examples include titles like Pentiment and Grounded being released on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft's efforts to merge the Xbox and PC gaming experiences have been ongoing. The recent "This is an Xbox" campaign highlighted the versatility of Xbox gaming across multiple devices. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed interest in integrating PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store into Xbox hardware.

Looking further ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between console and PC gaming.