Microsoft has added a heap of games to its Xbox app for Windows alongside new UI elements that customise the user experience. A breath of fresh air for an app that doesn’t change often.
The Xbox app is getting a big update today, bringing 400 previously undiscoverable/unpurchasable games to the store alongside a user-customised home menu tailored to your preferences. Though the app is still far from perfection, with regular random crashes and overall sluggishness, this is a great step towards making it more enjoyable to use.
To begin with, Microsoft is modifying the UI a bit to help you stay up to date with the latest releases – like Indiana Jones. You should also see new events, Game Pass content, sales, and more without leaving the main page. Additionally, you will find curated collections and recommendations, plus deals and discounts based on your preferences.
“Today, we’re sharing that the new Home experience we’ve been testing with Xbox Insiders is now available in the Xbox app on Windows PC for all players, making it faster and easier for them to find their favourite games and discover great new titles to play,” says Chris Charla, General Manager of Content Curation and Programs at Xbox.
This update also adds 400 previously unavailable games, with the aim of bringing all PC titles that incorporate Xbox features into the app. To be clear, these are not new or even recent games, let alone big-budget titles. However, they are a good step, showing that Microsoft hasn’t forgotten anything. These include names such as Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, Jackbox Party Pack, and The Invincible.
Over 100 of these newcomers support Xbox Play Anywhere – a feature that allows you to transfer progress between Xbox consoles and PCs, letting you continue your party whenever and wherever you like. Just keep in mind that you will need to sign in to the same Microsoft account.
This is a welcome change seeing how Microsoft focused mainly on its Game Pass offerings for the longest time. Even if you wanted to give the Xbox app a try instead of Steam or Epic Games, chances are the game you were looking for isn’t available on the Xbox app for some reason. And we are not talking about an Epic exclusive title or obscure indie game. This made Game Pass the app’s sole reason to exist, which is exactly how I used it for multiple years.
Hopefully, this first batch of games won’t be the last. Microsoft has affirmed its commitment to improve and expand the Xbox app on Windows with new features throughout the next few months. For December, the team aims to test a small collection of casual games like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2. We should get more information about the app’s future during the GDC (Game Developers Conference) in March.