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

Okay, so imagine this: Microsoft, yeah, the big tech giant, is dabbling with this new gaming library thingy for the Xbox app on PC. It’s kinda like when you open your junk drawer and wish everything was just… organized. They’re calling it an aggregated library, and honestly, it sounds pretty neat, though I wonder why this wasn’t a thing sooner.

I read somewhere — maybe an Xbox blog, but who keeps track? — that Xbox Insiders are getting the first taste. Luckyyy. This week! And by the end of the year, they’re planning to roll it out to stuff like ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. Anyone else geeking out a bit?

Anyway, the idea is to have all your games (well, the ones from certain stores) in one cozy spot. Think about it like having all your vinyl records on one shelf instead of scattered around the living room. Only, it’s digital and, you know, not vinyl. Eh, you get it.

Now, it’s limited — Battle.net, EA, and Riot Games. But Riot and EA are already there with Game Pass, so it’s really just Battle.net that’s new. The interesting bit? Microsoft is hinting, nudging, kinda suggesting more will come later. Betting money on Steam, Epic, and GoG. Feel like I should start a pool on this.

Okay, picture this dream scenario: If Microsoft lures in all the big stores, especially Steam, gamers will live the dream of having every game under one roof. Console vibes, baby! Sure, there’s GoG Galaxy which kinda does that, but Xbox app is right there in Windows 11. Makes life easier, doesn’t it?

This move is like another piece in Microsoft’s puzzle to shift Xbox from being just about consoles to a whole shebang service thing. They started this carnival ride with Game Pass, and hey, it’s been a win-win for both Xbox and PC players so far. Now, they’re stirring the pot more with Xbox handhelds made by other folks. Nice way to say, “We’re versatile!”

So, maybe no fanfare about when this hits everyone’s PC. But the ROG Ally crowd gets it by Christmas-ish. Rest of us? Maybe by New Year’s? No clue. Just crossing fingers.

Here’s the deal: if you like staying in the loop, Tom’s Hardware is a cool place to hang. They’ve got all the nitty-gritty updates and reviews. Am I the only one who still remembers to bookmark stuff? Follow them or something. Your call, though.

And there ya go, a little chaotic, but that’s the way I see it.