Microsoft Unveils and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles that could revolutionize how players interact with their PC game libraries. In a now-edited blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," an image showcased a glimpse of an upcoming Xbox UI update. The image, which was quickly spotted and shared by The Verge, displayed various devices including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, tablets, and TVs. Upon closer inspection, a small tab labeled "Steam" was visible on some of the screens, hinting at a possible integration with Valve's popular PC gaming platform.

This unexpected inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI mockup suggests that Microsoft might be working on a feature that allows players to view all their installed PC games from various storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, directly from their Xbox console. The image was promptly removed from the blog post, indicating that the reveal was premature and not intended for public viewing at this stage.

According to The Verge, sources have confirmed that Microsoft is in the early stages of developing this UI update. This feature, if implemented, would enable Xbox users to seamlessly access their entire PC game library, showing which games are installed and from which platforms they were purchased. However, given the early development phase, it's unclear when or if this update will be rolled out to the public.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI update, even if accidental, is significant. Microsoft has been progressively expanding its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms over the past decade. 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 bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming have been evident in recent initiatives. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched just months ago, emphasizes the versatility of Xbox gaming across multiple devices. 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.

Furthermore, 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.