Microsoft Releases and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft recently provided an unexpected glimpse into a potential new feature for Xbox consoles, showcasing an in-development UI update that integrates PC gaming libraries from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This revelation came from a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which included an image featuring various devices with a noticeable "Steam" tab.

This unexpected detail, as reported by The Verge, suggests a future where Xbox users could view all their installed PC games directly from their console. The image was quickly removed from the post, indicating that Microsoft might not have intended to reveal this feature so soon. Sources from The Verge confirmed that Microsoft is in the early stages of developing this UI update, which aims to connect users to multiple PC storefronts, allowing them to see which games they've purchased and from where.

This move aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate Xbox more deeply with PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to other platforms, including Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection may soon appear on PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming was further highlighted with the launch of the "This is an Xbox" campaign, emphasizing the versatility of devices that can play Xbox games. In an 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 on Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports indicate that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further solidifying the company's commitment to a unified gaming ecosystem across platforms.

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