Microsoft recently provided a glimpse into a potential future update for the Xbox UI, which could allow players to view all PC games installed via various platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store directly from their Xbox. This intriguing development was inadvertently revealed through an image in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," as reported by The Verge.

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

The image, which has since been removed from the post, showcased a tab labeled "Steam" on various device screens, hinting at a possible integration of PC game libraries into the Xbox ecosystem. This move would align with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming, allowing users to easily access and manage games across different platforms.

According to The Verge, Microsoft is still in the early stages of developing this UI update, suggesting that it might be some time before it becomes available to the public, if at all. However, the inclusion of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if unintentional, underscores Microsoft's interest in expanding its gaming ecosystem to include other major PC storefronts.

Microsoft's strategy over the past decade has been to bring its titles to a broader range of platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Notable examples include Pentiment and Grounded, which have been released on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Rumors also suggest that the Master Chief Collection might eventually make its way to PlayStation.

This move towards greater integration is part of a larger trend where Microsoft is blurring the lines between Xbox and PC. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched recently, emphasizes the versatility of Xbox gaming across various 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.

Looking further ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-generation Xbox, expected around 2027, is said to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console. This shift could further enhance the interconnectivity between Xbox and PC gaming, offering players a more seamless gaming experience across platforms.

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