Possible Xbox gaming handheld UI spotted in official image

Microsoft is rumoured to be closing the gap between Xbox and PC later this year with its first gaming handheld release. As we have discussed previously, 'Project Kennan' will be a regular PC gaming handheld rather than a handheld that can run Xbox games. However, an image published by Microsoft on a blog post has prompted speculation that other plans are afoot.

Embedded below, the image appears to showcase a revised Xbox user interface with a shortcut for accessing Steam games. The image also has a 'show playable games' filter, which can be further be sorted by titles that have been recently added, installed, owned or found on Game Pass. As far as we can tell, Microsoft has replicated the image not just across the Xbox Series S and Series X, but also the ROG Ally and other devices that are compatible with the Xbox app. Presumably, the tablet and smartphone shown would serve as Xbox or Windows companions though, rather than options on which to install Xbox or Steam games.

Adding fuel to the fire, Microsoft quickly replaced the image with another that we have embedded above. According to The Verge, the Steam icon was not added in error. Reportedly, Microsoft is said to be upgrading the Xbox app to function as a launcher for games available on Steam and other providers like the Epic Games Store. Please note that the image does not suggest that Xbox games will become playable on other systems. Instead, Microsoft's first gaming handheld is only expected to be capable of streaming Xbox games, much like the PlayStation Portal (curr. $199.99 on Amazon).