Microsoft expands Xbox PC App with steam integration

Microsoft has begun testing a new version of its Xbox app for Windows, which could incorporate third-party storefronts and retro game support. The overhaul, which is currently rolling out to Xbox Insiders, could advance the Xbox PC app as a launcher competing with platforms like Steam and SteamOS.

According to a June 23 report from The Verge, the update introduces an aggregated gaming library that pulls in titles from Steam and Battle.net, with support for more storefronts promised in future updates. 

The unified library will allow users to manage and launch games from multiple platforms directly within the Xbox app interface.

Steam and Battle.net titles now in the Xbox App

The Xbox app will now display games installed from Steam and Battle.net within the user’s library. Once a game is installed from a supported platform, it will automatically populate in the “My Library” section and appear in the sidebar’s “Most Recent” list. 

The integration could help PC players struggling to toggle between different launchers.

“When a player installs a game from a supported PC storefront, it will automatically appear in ‘My Library’ within the Xbox PC app,” said Manisha Oza, product manager of the Xbox platform. “It will also be listed in the ‘Most recent’ titles, making it easier than ever to jump back into your games.”

The feature is currently limited to those in the PC Gaming Preview, which is accessible through the Xbox Insider Hub. Much different from other Xbox preview programs, this one focuses solely on developing the PC experience and excludes Xbox OS and Xbox Cloud Gaming previews.

UI improvements and Game Pass update

Alongside the library additions, Microsoft is updating the Xbox app’s interface to improve usability. A new section will show games from Microsoft’s internal studios and third-party publishers available through Game Pass, including titles from EA like the recently added EAFC 25, and some from Ubisoft.

Additionally, the “Recently Played” list on the Xbox Home screen is being updated with several personalization features. Users can now hide system apps, pin favorite games for quick access, and reduce the number of displayed tiles to declutter the interface. 

Players can access these new settings by navigating to Settings > General > Personalization > Games & Apps, or by selecting My Games & Apps > Manage > Games & Apps. Pinning and unpinning favorites can be done directly from the list using the Menu button.

Rumors swirl around Xbox Classic emulation

Chatter on social media has hinted at a platform that could bring original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles to modern devices through emulation. The project, reportedly codenamed “Xbox Classics,” would allow legacy titles to run on PCs, Xbox consoles, cloud platforms, and handhelds like the ROG Ally.

The leak originates from a known Xbox insider, “extas1s”, who claims that Microsoft is developing an emulator that will run old titles with improved graphics on Game Pass. According to the translated statements from a purported Microsoft insider, the project is a “technical undertaking to preserve older games.”

“What Xbox is working on is a new advanced emulation platform,” the source continued, “designed to run classic Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles with stability, graphical improvements, full integration with Game Pass, PC, current consoles, portable devices like the Ally, and, of course, the cloud.”

The rumor further suggests that Microsoft is collaborating with the Xenia team, creators of an open-source Xbox 360 emulator, to help build the foundation of this emulation project. However, Xenia has denied any talks about working with the tech firm.

The initiative could reportedly debut as part of Xbox’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 2026.