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

Okay, so here’s the thing—I was just sprawling out on the couch, when I stumbled on this tidbit about Microsoft and their Xbox app on PC. It’s like one of those days where you really don’t expect to find anything intriguing, but there it is. You get me? Anyway, they’re testing this new thing where you can see all your games from different stores in the Xbox app. Yeah, exactly, I was like, “Why didn’t they do this before?”

Apparently, right now it’s rolling out to Xbox Insiders. Something about starting with these quirky handhelds called ROG Xbox Ally or whatever? Sounds like they’re trying to be all fancy. Anyway—no wait, why did I start there? Right, so this whole library thing means you can see all your games in one place. As long as they’re from stores that Microsoft’s cool with, like EA or Riot Games (through Game Pass magic), and oh! Battle.net too. Why Battle.net, you ask? I mean, who knows.

And look, they talk about adding more stores. I’m guessing Steam, because everyone’s obsessed with Steam, or Epic Games, or GoG. GoG already does this but Xbox is part of Windows 11, so maybe more people will sway that way. Who knows—even Microsoft doesn’t have all the answers yet.

Thinking ahead, if they pull this all together—especially if they get Steam on board—it’s going to be like living in this console-like dream but on PC. Actually, maybe GoG already does this? But let’s be real, Xbox app is gonna grab more attention because—Windows! They’re moving away from being just about consoles. Trying to be more service-like, with Game Pass leading the way.

Oh! And then there’s this bit about handheld gaming PCs they’re getting involved with. Confusing, right? They’ve even ditched planning their own handheld just to make Windows 11 better for others. Bold move, right?

And here’s the kicker—they didn’t mention when us regular folks will get this feature. But, I’m guessing we’ll see it by year-end if they don’t get sidetracked. Or forget about it. Or get too ambitious. Okay, I’m spiraling—follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News for more, or don’t. Up to you!