The highly anticipated Xbox PC store aggregation is finally starting to roll out, particularly for some members of the Xbox Insider Program on Windows 11. Although the feature is not yet universally available, a portion of the Windows Central team has reported seeing games from prominent platforms such as Battle.net, the Epic Games Store, and Steam appearing within the Xbox PC app. This selective rollout suggests that Microsoft may be conducting A/B testing to refine the experience for users or might be implementing a gradual rollout based on various user-specific factors.
As this is an early-stage development, users have noted several quirks, including low-resolution artwork for certain Steam games like Stellar Blade and Silent Hill 2. Currently, launching these games redirects users to the Steam platform, making the Xbox PC app somewhat of a "launcher for your launcher." This consolidation aims to streamline the gaming experience by allowing players to access multiple titles from different storefronts all in one place.
Interestingly, this aggregation feature also leads to a unique situation for gamers who own multiple copies of the same title across different platforms. When browsing through their game library, users may find their games displayed consecutively, raising the question of how many copies of a single title can be stacked in view. This could be a fun aspect for those who enjoy collecting games across various platforms.
This development is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to enhance the gaming experience on Windows 11, particularly through the Xbox PC interface. The company is investing considerable resources to ensure that gaming on Windows is seamless and enjoyable. These efforts are expected to culminate with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Ally handheld partner devices later this year, which aim to further enrich the gaming landscape.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the Xbox Ally X, and I was genuinely impressed by its performance, especially while playing Gears of War: Reloaded. The device showcases Microsoft's commitment to portable gaming, and it's evident that the company is focused on delivering a high-quality gaming experience across all platforms.
