Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has recently provided a glimpse into a potential new feature for Xbox through an accidental leak in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The post, which was quickly updated to remove the revealing image, included a screenshot of the Xbox Series X | S alongside various devices, one of which displayed a tab labeled "Steam."

This unexpected inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI has sparked curiosity, as Valve's platform typically doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The Verge reported that Microsoft is indeed exploring an update that would allow Xbox users to view all their PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms. This feature is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.

The leak aligns with Microsoft's ongoing strategy to merge the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles, such as Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also persistent rumors about the Master Chief Collection potentially coming to PlayStation.

Microsoft's efforts to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming were further emphasized with the launch of the "This is an Xbox" campaign, showcasing 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 could be accessible directly on Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-generation Xbox, expected around 2027, is said to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, suggesting a continued convergence of gaming platforms.

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