Microsoft Unveils and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential upcoming Xbox UI update that would allow players to view all their installed PC games from various digital storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This glimpse into the future was spotted in a now-altered blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," where an image showcased a "Steam" tab on various devices alongside Xbox Series X | S consoles.

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

The inclusion of Steam in this context is unusual, given that Valve's platform traditionally operates independently of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. The image was swiftly removed from the post, indicating that the reveal was unintentional. According to The Verge, Microsoft is indeed exploring a feature that would integrate not just Steam but other PC game libraries into the Xbox interface, allowing players to see all their installed games and the platforms they were purchased from. However, this project is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout should be expected.

This development aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy over the past decade to expand its gaming presence across multiple platforms. Notable examples include bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation. Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" campaign further emphasizes the company's vision of playing Xbox games on a variety of 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 ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will resemble a PC more closely than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between the two platforms.