Microsoft's Xbox PC App Now Integrates Steam and Other Game Stores

Xbox App Becomes Universal PC Gaming Hub

Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to its Xbox application for Windows personal computers. This update transforms the app into a more comprehensive central hub, allowing users to access and launch games purchased not only from Microsoft's own store but also from other major digital platforms, including Valve's popular Steam marketplace. This strategic move aims to simplify the PC gaming experience by bringing various game libraries under one roof.

Previously, PC gamers often had to navigate between different launchers and applications to play games bought from various storefronts. With this new integration, the Xbox app on Windows 11 now provides a unified interface. Players can view their entire collection of games, whether they originate from Xbox Game Pass, Steam, or other third-party digital stores, all within a single application.

Enhanced User Experience and Consolidation

The goal behind this update is to create a more streamlined and convenient experience for PC gamers. The updated Xbox app will display a consolidated gaming library, show associated applications, and track play history across all integrated titles. This means less friction for players who own games across multiple ecosystems, offering a level of convenience typically found in dedicated console environments.

This functionality is not limited to traditional desktop and laptop computers. Microsoft has also extended this feature to Windows-based handheld gaming devices, such as the ASUS ROG Ally. This ensures that users of these portable systems can also benefit from a unified gaming interface, making their handheld PC gaming experience more akin to a dedicated gaming console with a single point of access for all titles.

For Microsoft, this represents a broader strategy to make the Xbox brand and its associated software indispensable for PC gamers, regardless of their preferred storefronts. By embracing compatibility rather than strict exclusivity, the company is positioning its Xbox app as an essential utility for managing a diverse collection of PC games, potentially expanding its reach and influence within the competitive PC gaming market.

What happens next

Users of Windows PCs and compatible handheld devices can expect to receive these new features as the update continues to roll out. This integration is likely to encourage more PC gamers to use the Xbox app as their primary game launcher, potentially leading to further enhancements and deeper cross-platform capabilities in the future. The industry will be observing how this development influences player behavior and the landscape of digital game distribution.