Microsoft has inadvertently revealed an upcoming Xbox UI update that could enable players to view all PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms. This unexpected glimpse was provided in a blog post titled “Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox,” which initially included an image showcasing Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside various devices. A keen eye would notice a “Steam” tab on some of the device screens, as highlighted by The Verge.

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

The inclusion of Steam in this context is intriguing, given that Valve’s platform typically doesn't interface directly with Microsoft’s gaming hardware. The image was swiftly removed from the blog post, indicating that the Xbox team did not intend for this detail to be public yet.

According to The Verge’s sources, Microsoft is actively developing a UI update that would not only integrate with Steam but also with other PC game storefronts. This would allow users to see all games installed on their PCs and identify the platforms from which they were purchased. However, this feature is still in the early stages of development, and no immediate rollout should be anticipated.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, underscores Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other platforms. Notable examples include Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also arrive on PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC has been evident in recent initiatives like the “This is an Xbox” campaign, which showcases 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 such as Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible on Xbox hardware.

Furthermore, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-gen Xbox, expected in 2027, will resemble a PC more than any previous Xbox model, indicating a continued convergence of gaming ecosystems.