Microsoft Xbox App Gains Aggregated Gaming Library, Signaling Shift to PC-Centric Future
Microsoft is rolling out a new feature for the Xbox app on PC that consolidates game libraries from multiple storefronts, aiming to create a unified gaming experience for PC users. The update, currently available to Xbox Insiders, is slated for wider release beginning with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds later this year.
The new aggregated library will serve as a central hub for all installed PC games, provided they are sourced from supported third-party stores. This move represents a significant step in Microsoft’s evolving strategy, increasingly focused on a service-based ecosystem rather than solely relying on Xbox console sales.
Consolidating the PC Gaming Landscape
Currently, Battle.net is the only fully integrated third-party library, with EA and Riot Games titles already appearing within the Xbox app due to their inclusion in the Game Pass subscription service. However, Microsoft has confirmed plans to expand support to additional storefronts over time. Industry analysts predict Steam, Epic Games Store, and GoG are likely candidates for future integration.
“If Microsoft can rope in all of the big third-party storefronts, particularly Steam, PC gamers will have an opportunity to have a library ‘experience’ similar to console players,” one analyst noted. While GoG Galaxy already offers similar functionality, the Xbox app’s direct integration with Windows 11 is expected to make it the preferred solution for many gamers.
A Broader Xbox Strategy
This update underscores Microsoft’s broader ambition to transform Xbox into a comprehensive gaming service accessible across multiple platforms. The success of Game Pass, available on both Xbox and PC, demonstrated the viability of this approach. The company is now extending this strategy to hardware, partnering with manufacturers to create Xbox-branded handheld gaming PCs.
Notably, Microsoft reportedly paused development of its own in-house handheld device, opting instead to focus on optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld PCs. This decision highlights a strategic shift towards enabling a wider range of hardware options within the Xbox ecosystem.
Rollout and Future Outlook
While Microsoft has not announced a specific date for the mainstream launch of the aggregated library feature, expectations point to a release in late 2024 or 2026, coinciding with broader support for additional storefronts. The initial rollout with the ROG Ally handhelds during the holiday season will serve as a crucial testing ground for the feature’s performance and user experience.
This latest development signals a decisive move by Microsoft to establish a dominant presence in the PC gaming market, offering a unified and convenient experience that rivals the simplicity of console gaming.
