Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles, showcasing an in-development UI update that would allow players to view all their PC games installed through various platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This glimpse into the future of Xbox was prematurely disclosed in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," where an image included a "Steam" tab on device screens, as noted by The Verge. Although the image was swiftly removed from the post, it sparked curiosity and speculation about Microsoft's plans to further integrate Xbox with PC gaming ecosystems.

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

The inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is noteworthy, especially given Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming presence across different platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has been bringing its titles to PC and other consoles, with games like Pentiment and Grounded now available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Rumors also suggest that the Master Chief Collection may soon be available on PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming is evident in initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the variety of devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores such as Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be integrated into Xbox hardware.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model. This aligns with the company's vision to create a seamless gaming experience across different devices and platforms.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

This potential UI update, while still in its early stages according to The Verge, could significantly enhance the Xbox gaming experience by allowing players to easily access and manage their PC game libraries directly from their consoles. However, until more concrete details are shared by Microsoft, the rollout of such a feature remains uncertain.