- Microsoft is testing out a new version of the Xbox app featuring a combined library of games, even those from different storefronts.
- You will be able to see games that you have downloaded from Steam and Battle.net in the Xbox app.
- You can try this out yourself by installing Xbox Insider Hub on your Windows PC.
Earlier this month, Microsoft showcased its ROG Xbox Ally gaming handheld, featuring an enhanced version of the Xbox app. It would feature a combined library of all your gaming titles, including those downloaded from Steam and Battle.net. Now, Microsoft has started rolling out this new combined gaming library to Xbox Insiders on Windows.
According to the latest blog post from the Xbox Wire, Xbox Insiders will be able to see their Steam and Battle.net games inside the Xbox app . They can launch games right from the Xbox app itself, without needing to visit separate launchers. The post also shared that the company will expand its list of supported storefronts, which could include the likes of Epic Games and GOG.
Image Credit: Xbox
This will at least make it easier for users to find their games easily, even if they have purchased them from different online outlets. While this combined library feature is set to broadly roll out sometime later this year , if you can’t wait that long, then you can download the Xbox Insider Hub and join the PC gaming preview on Windows right away.
Xbox Platform Product Manager, Manisha Oza further explained, “When a player installs a game from a supported PC storefront, it will automatically appear in “My library” within the Xbox PC app, as well as the “Most recent” list of titles in the sidebar—making it easier than ever to jump back into your games.”
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
- Microsoft and AMD will co-engineer new Xbox hardware, including consoles and handhelds.
- The next-generation Xbox will support multiple game stores, featuring Steam, GOG, etc.
- As per the announcement, backward compatibility and cross-device support are core to Xbox’s future vision.
Microsoft has officially confirmed that it is building the next-gen Xbox consoles, and it is teaming up once again with AMD to power the future of gaming. In a short announcement video, Xbox president Sarah Bond shared that the two companies have entered a multi-year partnership to co-engineer new hardware. This new lineup will include both home consoles and handheld gaming devices, all working under one evolving ecosystem.
Bond said the next-generation of Xbox will bring advanced performance, AI-enhanced features, and complete backward compatibility . In the era of expensive gaming, the last part really stood out to me. As someone who has grown up with Xbox through every generation, knowing that my current library will carry forward is both reassuring and exciting. It shows that Microsoft is thinking about players, not just new tech.
Next-Gen Xbox Consoles Will Have Multiple Store Support
Microsoft’s partnership with AMD for the next-generation Xbox also hints at a much larger shift. Beyond just using a powerful AMD chip in the new consoles, there’s more on offer. As per Bond’s statement, the “ next-gen Xbox will not be locked to a single store “. Yes, you heard that right, console war marks!
Xbox is eyeing a future where your console is the only gaming machine you’ll ever need. Want to dive into Halo Infinite via Game Pass, then switch gears for a deep dive into Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam? You got it! Xbox will flip the script on console ownership , bringing PC-like flexibility right to your living room.
Another exciting reveal is that Microsoft is working closely with the Windows team. This likely means that future Xbox hardware could operate like a powerful Windows-based gaming machine, while still keeping the simplicity of a console. We are already seeing early signs of this with the Xbox-branded ROG Ally handhelds , which run on Windows and support multiple game libraries.
Whether you are a fan or not, AI will play a key role in the next-generation Xbox. Microsoft and AMD are working to improve visuals, gameplay, and responsiveness. The goal is to make games feel better without losing that classic console experience. There’s no release date yet, but 2027 seems likely, especially if you believe in rumors. Until then, Microsoft is focused on connecting console, PC, and handheld platforms. Your games and progress will move with you. As someone who switches devices often, I’m really looking forward to that.
This is the most confident I’ve felt in Xbox’s direction in a long time. The next-generation Xbox looks set to deliver real improvements where it counts.
A gaming nerd who covers all things video games. Spending time playing games and writing about them was always a dream. Thanks to Beebom, I live it. Once I am done gaming, I write. Once I am done writing, I game. You feel me.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
