Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential upcoming feature for the Xbox UI, which would allow players to view all PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms directly from their Xbox console. This intriguing development was prematurely disclosed in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," as reported by The Verge. The post originally included an image showcasing Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside various devices, with one screen subtly displaying a "Steam" tab.

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

The inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI is surprising, given that Valve's PC storefront traditionally doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image has since been removed from the blog post, suggesting that Microsoft was not ready to reveal this feature publicly. Sources from The Verge confirm that Microsoft is actively developing this update, which aims to connect users not only to their Steam library but also to other PC gaming platforms. This would enable players to see all their installed games and the respective storefronts from which they were purchased. However, the feature is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout should be expected.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is significant. Microsoft has been increasingly focused on bridging the gap between Xbox and PC gaming over the past decade. Notable efforts include bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also arrive on PlayStation. Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" campaign further emphasizes the versatility of Xbox gaming across different devices.

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. This aligns with reports 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 the two platforms.