Microsoft Tests Xbox App Integrating Battle.net for Enhanced Third-Party Game Library Aggregation

Okay, so here’s the deal — Microsoft is kinda cooking up something new for its Xbox app on PC. Like, they’re testing this idea where you can see all your games, even the ones from other stores, in one place. This concept is being flirted with right now among the Xbox Insiders, and folks with those ROG Xbox Ally gadgets will get a taste of it later this year. Interesting, huh?

So, imagine opening one library and bam! All your games are there — assuming they’re from stores Microsoft supports, of course. Right now, Battle.net is onboard, which is cool, I guess. For EA and Riot, they’re already chilling in the app due to Game Pass, so it’s not new-new, if you know what I mean. But Microsoft is whispering sweet nothings about adding more. Bet they’re eyeing Steam, Epic Games, maybe even GoG.

Now, if—big if—Microsoft gets all the heavy hitters like Steam to join the party, PC gamers might finally feel like they’re having a console kind of experience. You know, where everything’s in one place and organized and all that jazz. Supposedly GoG Galaxy already does this, but let’s be honest, Xbox app might just be the crowd favorite since it’s hugging Windows 11 real tight.

Oh, it’s not just about cool features for games though. Microsoft is on a bigger mission. They’re shifting Xbox from just being a console brand to a full-on service brand. They made the first moves with Game Pass, which by the way, is awesome on both Xbox and PC. Now, they’re introducing handheld gaming PCs with Xbox branding. I heard they even paused developing their own handheld to make Windows 11 work better on other folks’ devices. Go figure!

Microsoft didn’t spill the beans on when exactly everyone will have this feature, but with the ROG Ally getting it during the holidays, it feels like a broader release could either be sneaking in late this year or possibly waiting until 2026. Who knows, right?

But hey, if you want the freshest updates and reviews, Tom’s Hardware on Google News has you covered. Just hit that Follow button. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.