Microsoft Tests Xbox App with Battle.net Integration – New Update Aggregates Third-Party Game Libraries

Microsoft’s cooking up something kinda cool with the Xbox app on PC. They’re trying out this thing where you can see all your games in one spot. Well, almost all. It’s for those who install games from third-party places—at least the ones that are on their invite list. Heard it first from some Xbox blog that says Insiders will test it soon. Oh, and apparently, it’s kicking off with some handheld gizmos called ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X later this year.

Imagine all your games hanging out together, like a school reunion but for digital fun. But hold up, it’s only for stuff from places like Battle.net, EA, and Riot Games, sorta. Why those? Well, EA and Riot are already in the Xbox app through Game Pass, so maybe it’s more of the thought that counts. But hey, they’re talking about adding more storefronts, like Steam and Epic Games. Bet you a coffee they’ll be next.

Now, if Microsoft can woo Steam and the big guys, it’ll be a whole new ballgame. Like having a neat little library on your screen, just like those slick console folks. Technically, you could already do this with GoG Galaxy, but who’s counting? Anyway, the Xbox app is kinda like your phone’s earbuds when they actually connect—just works better since it’s all baked into Windows 11.

This whole thing shows Microsoft’s dreaming bigger than just Xbox consoles. Remember when they started waving that Game Pass around? Yep, time’s changing. Even those Xbox-branded handheld PCs are stepping into the spotlight. Microsoft’s also been sprinkling Xbox goodies into Windows 10 and 11 lately. They even ditched plans for their own handheld. Something about focusing on Windows 11 juicing up third-party gadgets instead. Bold move, right?

They didn’t spill the beans on when everyone can play with this new feature. But I’m thinking, with the ROG Ally joining the party around the holidays, maybe we’ll all get a bite of it by year-end. Hopefully not as far off as 2026, fingers crossed.

If you’re still craving more gadget gossip and bits about what’s next, you might wanna keep Tom’s Hardware in your digital bookmarks. They’ve got a pretty solid scoop on all things tech. Alright, that’s me rambling on enough.