Introduction
Microsoft is transforming the gaming experience on Windows PCs with a significant update to its Xbox PC app. The tech giant recently announced that it will soon roll out an aggregated gaming library, allowing users to access titles not only from Xbox Game Pass but also from popular third-party stores like Battle.net.
The update comes just as Microsoft’s newly launched handheld consoles—the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X—are gaining attention in the gaming community. This unified library feature aims to simplify game management across multiple platforms, making it easier for gamers to switch between titles seamlessly, especially on handheld gaming devices.
What is the Aggregated Gaming Library?
The new aggregated gaming library in the Xbox PC app will pull together all installed games from supported storefronts into one unified interface. This means gamers will no longer have to open multiple apps or launchers to access their favorite games across different platforms.
Initially, the feature will support:
- Xbox and Game Pass titles
- Battle.net games (including Activision Blizzard titles)
Microsoft has confirmed that it plans to expand support for additional third-party stores over time, further enhancing the versatility of the Xbox ecosystem on Windows PCs and handheld consoles.
Xbox Ally and Ally X to Get Aggregated Gaming Library by Late 2025
According to Microsoft, this new feature will first become available to Xbox Insiders for testing in the coming days. Following the testing phase, the company expects to roll out the aggregated gaming library broadly by late 2025, coinciding with the U.S. holiday season. The update will be available not only on PCs but also on the newly launched Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld devices.
This integration will be particularly useful for handheld users who want a seamless experience while on the go, allowing them to access both Xbox and third-party games through a single interface without juggling multiple apps or logins.
Optional Feature with Customizable Visibility
Microsoft has designed the feature to be entirely optional. Users who prefer not to merge their libraries can disable third-party store visibility directly from the app’s settings. Additionally, individual storefronts can be hidden selectively, giving gamers full control over what appears in their unified library.
How the New Library Works
Once enabled, the aggregated library will display all compatible games in two main sections within the Xbox PC app:
- Most Recent: Quickly access your recently played games, regardless of store origin.
- My Library: Browse the complete collection of installed games across Xbox, Game Pass, and supported third-party stores.
This simple design allows gamers to jump between titles effortlessly without having to search across multiple platforms or deal with different launchers.
Updated Publisher Channels on Game Pass
In addition to the aggregated library, Microsoft has introduced publisher channels within the Game Pass tab. This feature makes it easier for users to explore and download additional titles from their favorite publishers. By clicking on a publisher’s channel, gamers can discover new releases and curated collections directly within the app.
While this feature is already available for some Xbox Insiders, Microsoft has not provided a timeline for its full public release.
Why This Update Matters
The addition of third-party store integration to the Xbox PC app signals Microsoft’s broader strategy to unify gaming platforms and break down ecosystem barriers. As more gamers build diverse libraries across multiple stores, managing these collections has become increasingly cumbersome.
By consolidating these libraries, Microsoft is positioning the Xbox PC app as a one-stop hub for PC gamers, bringing together titles from:
- Xbox Game Pass
- Microsoft Store
- Battle.net
- And more stores in future updates
This approach offers convenience and could set a new industry standard for cross-store game management, especially as handheld devices like the Xbox Ally gain traction in the market.
Competition in Unified Gaming Platforms
With this update, Microsoft will compete directly with services like GOG Galaxy 2.0 and Steam’s library management features, both of which offer similar cross-store unification. However, Microsoft’s integration of Game Pass and Xbox’s expanding cloud gaming features gives it a distinct advantage, particularly for those already invested in the Xbox ecosystem.
Additionally, this update aligns with Microsoft’s long-term goal of expanding Xbox beyond its own hardware, allowing gamers to access their libraries across multiple devices including handhelds, PCs, and cloud streaming platforms.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s upcoming aggregated gaming library in the Xbox PC app marks a major step forward for unified game management. With support for third-party stores like Battle.net and more to come, gamers will soon be able to manage their entire gaming library in one place, whether on desktop or handheld devices like the Xbox Ally.
As Microsoft continues to innovate, this feature could reshape how gamers interact with their libraries, offering unprecedented convenience and flexibility. For players frustrated by the fragmentation of PC gaming platforms, the Xbox PC app’s unified library may finally deliver the all-in-one solution they’ve been waiting for.
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