Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox through a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The post, which was quickly taken down, included an image showcasing various devices, some of which displayed a "Steam" tab. This unexpected inclusion, as reported by The Verge, suggests that Microsoft might be developing a UI update for Xbox that would allow players to view all PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms directly from their Xbox console.

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

While the image was swiftly removed, it has sparked significant interest and speculation. Sources from The Verge indicate that Microsoft is indeed exploring ways to integrate not just Steam but other PC storefronts into the Xbox ecosystem. This would enable players to see their entire PC game library and track purchases across different platforms. However, the feature is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout should be anticipated.

This development aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has expanded its gaming presence beyond Xbox consoles, bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and there are ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection possibly coming to PlayStation.

Microsoft's recent "This is an Xbox" campaign further underscores its commitment to making Xbox games accessible across a variety of 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 integrated into Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-gen Xbox, expected in 2027, is said to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between these platforms.