Xbox has launched a major update to its Windows PC app, marking the most significant overhaul in the platform's PC gaming strategy to date. The update, which began rolling out Tuesday, transforms the Xbox app into a unified gaming hub that brings together titles from Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and other major PC storefronts alongside Xbox Game Pass titles.
The new aggregated gaming library automatically detects games installed from supported PC storefronts and displays them within the Xbox app's "My Library" section and "Most Recent" list, eliminating the need to switch between multiple launchers.
The update also introduced a new "My Apps" tab that provides quick access to third-party storefronts and applications, while allowing users to filter which games appear in their library. Players can customize their experience by toggling off specific storefronts they prefer not to see integrated into their Xbox library.
Another significant addition is the enhanced cloud streaming capability that now supports resolutions up to 1440p. This is a substantial upgrade from the previous 1080p maximum, with improved bitrates reaching up to 27 Mbps for supported titles. At the moment, the testing remains limited to select users and specific games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Further, cross-device play history is another major advancement, with cloud-playable games now appearing in play history across Xbox consoles, PC, and handheld devices. This functionality, which initially launched for Xbox Insiders in July, enables seamless game continuity as players switch between different platforms.
So far, the August update introduced cross-device play history and improved controller navigation, while June saw the initial testing of library aggregation features with Xbox Insiders. These gradual updates led to Tuesday's rollout for all users.
The timing coincides with Microsoft's preparation for the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally handheld devices, where these unified gaming features will debut as part of a full-screen Xbox experience designed specifically for portable gaming.