For PC gamers, the struggle is real: a game library scattered across various launchers, from Steam to Epic Games, Battle.net, and beyond. Switching between them to find and launch your favorite titles can be a minor annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless. Well, good news, PC gamers! Microsoft is taking a significant step to alleviate this pain point, with Xbox Insiders now testing the integration of games installed from other digital storefronts directly into the Xbox App for PC.
This is a move that has been widely anticipated, especially as Microsoft gears up for a major overhaul of the Xbox App, specifically tailored for handheld gaming devices like the recently announced ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
Imagine this: you fire up your Xbox App, and not only do you see your Game Pass titles and games purchased through the Microsoft Store, but also your extensive Steam library, your Epic Games Store collection, and your Battle.net games. This new “aggregated gaming library” aims to provide a single, centralized hub for all your PC games, regardless of where you bought them.
According to a recent Xbox Wire post, the aggregated gaming library will allow players to conveniently launch games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other leading PC storefronts from one place. Microsoft plans to roll out support for “additional PC storefronts” over time, signaling a clear intent to make the Xbox App the ultimate launcher for PC gaming, simplifying the experience for everyone.
For users enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview within the Xbox Insider Hub, this new feature is already accessible. Games installed from supported third-party storefronts will automatically appear in “My library” within the Xbox App, and even in the “Most recent” list in the sidebar, making it incredibly easy to jump back into your current obsession.
Paving the Way for Handheld Dominance
This integration isn’t just about convenience for desktop PC users; it’s a crucial piece of Microsoft’s broader strategy for handheld gaming. Devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which run on Windows 11, aim to bridge the gap between traditional consoles and the open nature of PC gaming.
The aggregated gaming library will be available on Windows PCs and handheld devices, including ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. By integrating games from other storefronts into the Xbox App, Microsoft is ensuring that when you pick up your Xbox-branded handheld, you have immediate, controller-friendly access to your entire PC game collection. This eliminates the clunky need to navigate the traditional Windows desktop and open individual launchers, creating a much smoother and more cohesive gaming experience on the go.
This strategic move underscores Microsoft’s commitment to expanding the Xbox ecosystem beyond its traditional console hardware. By focusing on software innovation and fostering a more unified, accessible gaming experience across various PC platforms, including emerging handhelds, Xbox is positioning itself as a universal gaming brand for the future. The aggregated library in the Xbox App for PC is just the beginning of this exciting journey.
For more details, you can read the official announcement on Xbox Wire.
