Microsoft is testing a new feature that shows Steam and Battle.net games inside its Xbox PC app on Windows. Xbox Insiders can access this aggregated gaming library starting this week.
Single Launcher for Multiple Platforms
The new feature combines games from different PC storefronts into one place. Users can see their Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox games all within the Xbox app, creating a single launcher for most PC games.
When players install games from supported PC storefronts, they automatically appear in “My library” within the Xbox PC app. Games also show up in the “Most recent” list in the sidebar, making it easier to jump back into games.
Part of Broader Strategy
This aggregated library is part of Microsoft’s effort to make the Xbox app the center of PC gaming on Windows. The company wants to compete with Steam and SteamOS by combining Windows and Xbox gaming experiences.
The feature will roll out to the main Xbox app later this year. It will also come to new devices like the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
More Storefronts Coming
Microsoft says support for additional PC storefronts will be added over time. The company started with Steam and Battle.net but plans to expand the library to include more gaming platforms.
Manisha Oza, product manager of the Xbox platform, explained that the goal is making it “easier than ever to jump back into your games” regardless of where they were purchased.
How to Access the Feature
Users who want to try the new aggregated library can download the Xbox Insider Hub on PC and join the PC gaming preview program.
The Xbox app also lets users manage which games appear in their library. Players can hide games from any PC storefront in the Library & Extensions section of the app settings.
Competition with Steam
This move puts Microsoft in direct competition with Steam’s dominance in PC gaming. By making the Xbox app a central hub for all PC games, Microsoft hopes to attract more users to its platform.
The feature could be particularly useful for gamers who buy games from multiple storefronts and want one place to see their entire collection.
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