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Will Microsoft's Brilliant Xbox PC App Finally End Your Frustrating Game Library Management?
Microsoft has started testing something that could change how I manage my PC games forever. The Xbox PC app now includes an aggregated gaming library feature that lets me access games from multiple storefronts in one place. This isn't just another minor update - it represents a significant shift in how Xbox approaches PC gaming.
What This New Feature Actually Does
The aggregated gaming library consolidates my games from different digital stores into a single interface within the Xbox PC app. Instead of jumping between Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and Xbox Game Pass, I can now launch everything from one central location. When I install a game from a supported PC storefront, it automatically appears in "My Library" within the Xbox PC app, as well as the "Most Recent" list in the sidebar.
Currently, Microsoft has confirmed support for Xbox, Game Pass, and Battle.net libraries. The company promises to roll out support for additional PC storefronts over time, though they haven't specifically named Steam or Epic Games Store yet.
How I Can Access This Feature Right Now
Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview can test this feature immediately on Windows 11 PCs and handheld devices. The feature will also come to the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds during the holiday season, complete with the new Xbox full screen experience.
To get started, I need to:
- Download the Xbox Insider Hub on my PC
- Enroll in the PC gaming preview
- Install games from supported storefronts to see them appear automatically
If I prefer not to see certain games listed, I can hide specific storefronts through the Settings menu under Library & Extensions.
Why This Matters for PC Gaming
This development connects directly to Xbox President Sarah Bond's recent announcement about the future of Xbox hardware. She stated that Xbox's next generation would focus on Windows and deliver "an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device". The aggregated gaming library appears to be the first concrete step toward this vision.
For someone like me who owns games across multiple platforms, this solves a real problem. I often forget which service has which game, leading to frustrating searches through different launchers. Having everything in one place eliminates this friction entirely.
The Bigger Picture for Xbox's Future
Microsoft is positioning the Xbox app as the central hub for PC gaming, directly competing with platforms like Steam. This strategy aligns with their broader goal of making "anything" an Xbox, extending beyond traditional consoles to include PCs, handhelds, and cloud gaming.
The timing coincides with Microsoft's partnership with AMD for next-generation Xbox hardware, including consoles and handhelds. This suggests that future Xbox devices will maintain this unified approach to game libraries, potentially supporting non-Xbox storefronts natively.
What I Need to Know About Compatibility
The current implementation appears to require games to be installed from their respective storefronts before they appear in the Xbox app. This means I likely still need the original launcher apps installed, though Microsoft hasn't clarified this requirement completely.
The feature maintains backward compatibility with existing Xbox games, ensuring my current library remains accessible. As Microsoft adds support for more storefronts, this unified approach could become the standard way to manage PC game libraries.
Looking Ahead
This aggregated gaming library represents more than just convenience - it's Microsoft's answer to the fragmented PC gaming ecosystem. By centralizing access to multiple storefronts, Xbox is positioning itself as the go-to platform for PC gamers, regardless of where they purchase their games.
The feature's expansion to handheld devices like the ROG Xbox Ally series shows Microsoft's commitment to this unified vision. As more PC storefronts gain support, this could fundamentally change how I interact with my game collection across all my devices.