Microsoft Releases and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab

Microsoft recently unveiled a sneak peek of a potential new Xbox UI update through an accidental reveal in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The post, as reported by The Verge, featured an image showcasing Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside various devices. A keen observation by readers revealed a "Steam" tab on some of the device screens, an unexpected sight given the lack of direct integration between Valve's PC platform and Microsoft's gaming hardware.

This image was quickly removed from the blog post, suggesting that the inclusion of Steam was not meant for public eyes just yet. According to The Verge, Microsoft is indeed working on a UI update that would allow players to view all their PC games installed across various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, the project is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.

The mention of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is significant, especially considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across different platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles, with games like Pentiment and Grounded available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also rumors that the Master Chief Collection might eventually make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the versatility of devices capable of running Xbox games. 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 next-generation Xbox, rumored for a 2027 release, is expected to further bridge the gap between console and PC gaming, resembling a PC more than any previous Xbox model.