It appears that Microsoft may be secretly introducing an unexpected feature into its Xbox PC application, as they continue to expand the app with additional functionalities.
Lately, we unveiled an exclusive piece of information about Project Kennan, Microsoft’s collaborative handheld project with ASUS. This device marks the beginning of a novel initiative at Xbox, aiming to engage OEM partners who are typically linked with Windows PCs, in shaping the future of Windows gaming hardware.
People who have tried devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go or ASUS ROG Ally can attest to the fact that their user interfaces are quite distinct from that of a Steam Deck. At present, Windows is not optimized for this kind of experience, but it’s starting to adapt.
Microsoft has recently added some new functionalities to its Xbox Game Bar, such as compact mode and the capability to utilize Windows’ on-screen keyboard with a controller. However, the recent rumor appears to suggest a significant advancement.
The tech publication The Verge noticed a Microsoft blog post (which was later taken down) revealing a diagram showcasing Microsoft’s plan to attract developers towards a cross-platform gaming environment. Upon scrutiny, it appears that the Xbox app’s game library currently lacks a feature that Steam already offers – a filter for games available on Steam.
It turns out that the Xbox Game Bar can start recently played Steam games when you switch it to compact view. In this mode, it’s capable of identifying Steam games installed on your system, and launching them upon selection. I’ve personally been enjoying Final Fantasy 7 Remake by doing so on my Lenovo Legion Go. Unfortunately, the Xbox app lacks this specific feature, and it’s not equipped to scan your entire Steam library either.
There are several possibilities here. The designer might have erred by incorporating an interface that resembles Steam’s store into an Xbox console mockup. This could potentially hint at Microsoft’s long-anticipated partnership with Valve, allowing Steam to operate on Xbox consoles. However, it could also be a simple oversight or misunderstanding. The presence of Xbox consoles in the image certainly gives the impression that the interface is intended for Xbox, but it might simply be a mistake.
I observed that, upon taking notice, Microsoft apparently took down the image following their investigation into its meaning.
Does it mean anything?
It seems to me that Microsoft might be planning a major update for the game library section within the Xbox app on PC, given its current shortcomings. The most notable flaw is its tendency to promote outdated Windows Phone games in the “owned” filter, while lacking options to hide old beta tests and demos. Notably, Microsoft has started merging Steam with the condensed version of the Xbox Game Bar. In interviews, Xbox head Phil Spencer has hinted at his desire for partner devices such as Kennan or ROG Ally to replicate an authentic Xbox console experience as closely as possible.
In the future, Microsoft is making a concerted effort to merge Xbox and Windows gaming development more seamlessly. According to Windows Central, it appears that traditional Win32 will serve as the primary development platform for the upcoming mainline Xbox consoles, while the Xbox One/Series X|S “ERA” environment may be gradually phased out. It’s unclear what this means for our current library of Xbox ERA games, but Microsoft seems to be considering emulation as a potential solution for maintaining backward compatibility and ensuring game preservation.
Can those games operate on Windows devices such as Kennan and the ROG Ally, or even standard gaming PCs? However, it’s uncertain due to some legal restrictions regarding Microsoft’s capabilities to handle third-party game titles within their store.
We’ve sought Microsoft’s perspective on the previous topic, and it seems like we’re heading towards something intriguing, regardless of the response.
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2025-03-21 03:09