Microsoft Tests Xbox App Featuring Battle.net Integration — New Update Unifies Third-Party Game Libraries

Microsoft is workshopping this funky thing for the Xbox app on PC. Basically, it’s like a big ol’ gaming library mashup. You know, where all your games from different places just pop up in one spot? Sounds convenient, right? Well, Xbox Insiders are getting first dibs, then later this year, it’ll hit the ROG Xbox Ally — and the Ally X handhelds. Those handhelds, by the way, kinda remind me of tiny laptops that forgot they weren’t consoles. Or maybe that’s just me.

So, what’s so cool about this? Imagine all your games, from every weird little third-party store, sitting together like a big happy family. It’s supposed to start with places like Battle.net, EA, and Riot Games. Apparently, the last two already sneak into the Xbox app through Game Pass, which is kind of like cheating but whatever. Battle.net is the big deal here. But Microsoft says more stores will join the club, which has me weirdly excited. Fingers crossed for Steam and Epic; they’d totally be the life of the party, if you ask me.

Now, buckle up, ’cause if Microsoft actually pulls this off — you know, snagging Steam and the usual suspects — PC gamers could live the dream. Like, having all your digital toys in one neat play box. GOG Galaxy sort of does this already, but let’s be real, the Xbox app snuggles right into Windows 11 so it’s probably the cooler hangout spot.

This is all part of Microsoft’s sneaky plan to transform Xbox into a service kind of deal, rather than just the chunky consoles we all know. Remember when they rolled out Game Pass, throwing Xbox and PC in the mix together? This is another step. Now they’re shunning their own Xbox handheld prototypes to pimp up Windows 11 for other people’s gaming gadgets. Go figure.

What they haven’t mentioned is when this library party is crashing all normal PCs. For now, it’s just set to debut on those ROG Ally handhelds sometime around the holidays. Makes me wonder if we’re looking at a bigger launch later… maybe 2026? Who am I kidding, timelines are like herding cats in tech.

Anyway, keep an eye on Tom’s Hardware for more tidbits. They seem to always know what’s happening before we do. Hit the follow button or whatever they do these days.