Microsoft's Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab Pulled

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential Xbox UI update that would display players' installed PC games from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Accidental Leak Shows Steam Integration

The company prematurely showcased this feature in a recent blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." As reported by The Verge, the post included an image showing Xbox Series X|S consoles alongside various devices where eagle-eyed viewers spotted a small "Steam" tab in the interface.

Quick Removal Hints at Unfinished Feature

Microsoft swiftly removed the image after its discovery, suggesting the feature wasn't ready for public announcement. The mockup reportedly demonstrated how users could view their entire PC game library across different storefronts directly through their Xbox interface.

Platform Convergence Continues

This potential update aligns with Microsoft's ongoing strategy to bridge Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. Industry insiders suggest the company is exploring deeper integrations between console and PC platforms, though the project remains in early development.

Xbox's Expanding Gaming Ecosystem

The apparent leak follows Microsoft's broader push to make Xbox more platform-agnostic. Recent examples include bringing former Xbox exclusives like Pentiment and Grounded to PlayStation and Switch, while rumors persist about Halo's Master Chief Collection potentially coming to PlayStation.

Future Hardware Directions

Microsoft's vision for gaming hardware appears increasingly PC-like, as evidenced by last year's "This is an Xbox" campaign showcasing cross-device compatibility. Xbox head Phil Spencer previously told Polygon he envisions a future where platforms like Epic Games Store could operate on Xbox consoles.

Reports indicate Microsoft's next-gen Xbox (potentially launching in 2027) may represent the most PC-like console iteration yet, further blurring traditional platform boundaries.