Microsoft Tests Xbox App with Battle.net Integration — Updated App Aggregates Third-Party Game Libraries

Oh man, where do I even start with this? So, Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, is fiddling around with this new thing for the Xbox app on PC. It’s supposed to collect all your games in one spot. Or so they claim. I read somewhere — or did I dream it? — that it’s starting this week for those Xbox Insiders on ROG handhelds. Yeah, those Ally and Ally X devices. Who names these things, anyway?

The idea, I guess, is to shove all your games into one room, so to speak. Not literally, duh. But only those from stores they like. Battle.net’s in, hurrah! EA and Riot too, but let’s be real — they’re sorta already in because of that whole Game Pass thing. Microsoft says they’ll bring more on board, like Steam and the Epic Games Store. Maybe one day, pigs will fly too.

Imagine, though — if Microsoft ropes in all the big boys, including Steam, we’re talking about a PC gamer’s dream. It’ll feel like you’re playing on a console with everything neatly tucked away under one roof. GoG Galaxy does this too, but people might prefer Xbox ’cause it kinda snuggles right into Windows 11. I sometimes wonder if these updates make things better or just confuse the heck outta people.

Anyway — no, wait — there’s more to this. Microsoft’s been shifting gears, aiming for Xbox as more of a service than just a console. Remember when Game Pass showed up for Xbox and PC? It’s kinda like that. Now, they’re mixing things up with Xbox-branded handhelds. And, oh yeah, stuffing Xbox features into Windows. They’ve been on this wild ride for a while, skipping their own handheld in favor of boosting those third-party ones.

Microsoft, though, didn’t spill when everyone will get the feature on their PCs. But since it’s starting with ROG Ally stuff during the holidays, who knows? Maybe by the end of this year or next? Fingers crossed. Or maybe not.

So that’s the scoop, I think. Follow Tom’s Hardware for whatever breaking news or cool reviews you’ve got a hankering for. Hit that follow button if you’re into it.