Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed what appears to be an in-development Xbox UI update, showcasing a feature that could allow players to view all their PC games installed across various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. This intriguing glimpse into potential future features was spotted in a now-edited blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," shared by The Verge. The post initially included an image of Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside other devices, with one screen subtly displaying a "Steam" tab.

This unexpected inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI image is particularly noteworthy, given that Valve's digital PC storefront typically does not integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image's quick removal from the blog post suggests that its appearance was unintentional, and Microsoft may not have been ready to reveal this feature to the public.

According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is indeed working on an update that would connect users to their Steam libraries and other PC game storefronts. This could allow players to see all their installed PC games and track which platforms they were purchased from. However, the development is still in its early stages, and it may be some time before any such update becomes available, if at all.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is significant, especially given Microsoft's efforts over the past decade to expand its gaming ecosystem across multiple platforms. Notable examples include titles like Pentiment and Grounded being released on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, and ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection possibly coming to PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy has been to increasingly blend the Xbox and PC gaming experiences. The recent "This is an Xbox" campaign emphasized the variety of devices on which Xbox games can be played. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store might be accessible directly through Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected around 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console, further blurring the lines between these gaming platforms.