Xbox Console Games Now Appearing in the PC App
▼ Summary
– The Xbox PC app is unexpectedly showing Xbox console games in its library, though they can’t be installed, suggesting a deeper integration plan.
– Microsoft aims to unify its Xbox and Windows stores, creating a universal library for Xbox and PC games, as hinted by earlier reports.
– The Xbox PC app may soon display games from other platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, as revealed by accidental mockup leaks.
– Microsoft is rebranding its Xbox PC app as “Xbox PC” and positioning it as the central hub for PC gaming, as seen in recent game announcements.
– Microsoft is preparing changes for handheld gaming devices, potentially to compete with SteamOS, and may use cloud or emulation for Xbox console games on PC.
Microsoft’s Xbox PC app is undergoing some intriguing changes, with Xbox console games unexpectedly appearing in users’ libraries. While titles like the original Alan Wake for Xbox 360 can’t be installed, they now show up under the “My PC Games” section. This isn’t likely a glitch but rather part of a broader strategy to merge Xbox and Windows gaming ecosystems more seamlessly.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced about Microsoft’s collaboration with Asus on a handheld device codenamed Project Kennan, signaling a push toward unifying Xbox and PC gaming libraries. The company’s vision includes integrating third-party platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store into the Xbox PC app. Earlier mockups accidentally leaked by Microsoft hinted at this functionality, suggesting users could eventually see all their installed PC games in one place.
The rebranding of the Xbox app as “Xbox PC” further emphasizes this shift. The new label debuted in announcements for games like Gears of War: Reloaded and MIO: Memories In Orbit, marking a clear effort to position the platform as the hub for PC gaming.
Microsoft’s strategy extends to handheld devices, where it aims to compete with SteamOS by blending Xbox and Windows features. With manufacturers like Lenovo adopting SteamOS for their gaming handhelds, Microsoft’s response could redefine portable gaming.
The big question remains whether Xbox console games will become playable on PC without cloud streaming. Unless Microsoft unveils a breakthrough in emulation, leveraging its cloud infrastructure might be the only way to bring classic Xbox titles to PC gamers. These developments suggest major updates are on the horizon, potentially transforming how players access and enjoy their game libraries.
(Source: The Verge)
