Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the Xbox gaming experience on PC remains steadfast, as the company rolls out a new aggregated store system for Xbox Insiders participating in the Windows 11 PC Gaming Preview. In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that this week, Insiders will have the opportunity to explore an updated version of the Xbox PC app tailored for Windows 11.
New Features for Xbox Insiders
This revamped app will serve as a hub, aggregating offerings from various leading PC storefronts, although specific partners have yet to be disclosed. The app is designed to automatically detect games installed from other PC gaming platforms and compile them into the library section of the Xbox PC app. Currently, the integration appears to include Battle.net, with promises of additional storefronts to follow.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
For those who prefer not to utilize this feature, it can be disabled in the library section of the settings panel. When activated, it will seamlessly populate your library with titles from alternative storefronts and display them in your recently played list along the sidebar. While this integration simplifies the navigation between different launchers, users will still need to access each launcher individually, which may limit the overall impact on the gaming experience.
However, the new functionality does enhance the ability to navigate through various PC store apps and games using a controller, a feature that will be particularly beneficial with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Ally later this year.
Microsoft is clearly investing significant resources into refining the Xbox experience on PC, with the Xbox Ally set to debut alongside the PC store aggregation feature. Additionally, new Windows functionalities aimed at improving controller navigation are on the horizon. As the holiday season approaches, gamers are left to wonder whether all these enhancements will be fully operational in time.
