Microsoft Unveils and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for the Xbox UI that could allow players to view all their PC games installed through various digital storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This glimpse into the future of Xbox was spotted in a since-removed image from a Microsoft blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The image, which was shared by The Verge, showed a variety of devices, some of which displayed a "Steam" tab, hinting at deeper integration between Xbox and PC gaming platforms.

Although the image was quickly taken down, it suggests that Microsoft is exploring ways to connect Xbox users directly with their PC game libraries across multiple platforms. According to The Verge, this feature is still in the early stages of development, and it remains unclear when, or if, it will be rolled out to the public.

This potential update aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to merge the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other platforms, including games like Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also rumors that the Master Chief Collection may eventually make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft's efforts to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming were further emphasized with the launch of the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which showcases the variety of devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In a 2023 interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible directly from Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console, further integrating the gaming experiences across platforms.