Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles that could revolutionize how players interact with their PC game libraries. In a now-edited blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," an image showcased a glimpse of an upcoming Xbox UI update. The image, which was quickly spotted and shared by The Verge, displayed various devices including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, tablets, and TVs. Upon closer inspection, a small tab labeled "Steam" was visible on some of the device screens, hinting at a possible integration with Valve's popular PC gaming platform.

This unexpected inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI mockup is intriguing, as it suggests Microsoft might be planning to allow Xbox users to view and possibly interact with their PC games from various digital storefronts directly on their consoles. The image was promptly removed from the blog post, indicating that the feature was not meant to be public knowledge at this stage.

According to The Verge, sources have confirmed that Microsoft is indeed working on a UI update that would not only connect to Steam but also to other PC gaming platforms like the Epic Games Store. This update would enable players to see all the games installed on their PCs, along with the respective storefronts from which they were purchased. However, the project is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox context is significant, especially given Microsoft's recent efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across different platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles, with notable examples including Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection potentially coming to PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the various devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible directly on Xbox hardware.

Looking further ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further integrating the gaming experiences across platforms.

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