Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious journey to establish itself as the primary gaming launcher on Windows PCs. Earlier this week, the tech giant announced the commencement of testing for its new aggregated gaming library within the Xbox app, a move that is now being rolled out to select testers.
This innovative library experience is designed to consolidate titles from various platforms, including Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft, Epic Games Store, and Riot Games, all seamlessly integrated into the Xbox app. This approach mirrors the functionality found in GOG Galaxy, providing users with a unified view of their gaming collections.
During my exploration of this new feature, I discovered that the Xbox app automatically identifies installed games on the PC, presenting them in a neatly organized library complete with relevant thumbnails and the names of their respective launchers. While the visual presentation of these thumbnails may require some refinement in this beta phase, users are afforded the convenience of launching games directly or navigating to the original launcher. Additionally, there is an option to hide titles from various stores if users prefer a more streamlined view.
It’s important to note that this integration merely catalogs the games without providing Xbox achievements or any enhanced functionalities for these titles. This consolidated library is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to position the Xbox app as the central hub for PC gaming, enhancing the overall user experience on Windows devices.
In tandem with these developments, there have been reports from users regarding the unexpected appearance of “Xbox full-screen experience” settings on existing ROG Ally devices. Although these settings are visible, they are not yet functional, indicating that Microsoft is in the testing phase for this feature. The company has previously confirmed that existing devices, including the ROG Ally, will eventually receive this full-screen Xbox experience, suggesting that the testing process is already underway.
If you’re eager to experience the new consolidated library firsthand, there’s no need to wait for a later release. Simply install the Xbox test app by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on your PC, join the PC gaming preview within the app, and update the Xbox app via the Microsoft Store.
