Microsoft Archives

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft dives into the handheld gaming PC wars with the Asus ROG Xbox Ally

Microsoft has unveiled the Asus ROG Xbox Ally hardware line, a Windows-powered handheld gaming device. The Xbox Ally devices run on Windows 11 and provide access to a wide range of games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect through an aggregated gaming library. This library simplifies access to games across different platforms and aims to improve user experience compared to SteamOS devices. The Xbox Ally supports applications like Discord and Twitch and allows for downloadable game mods. It features a unique "Xbox Experience for Handheld" interface that hides the Windows desktop to enhance gaming focus and performance. A dedicated Xbox button offers quick access to the Xbox Game Bar overlay for settings and performance monitoring. Microsoft is also creating a program to identify Windows titles optimized for handheld gaming.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Humble Choice Explained: How The Xbox Game Pass PC Alternative Works

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass offers subscribers access to a wide array of games for a monthly fee, but access is revoked if the subscription lapses. In contrast, Humble Choice allows subscribers to keep the games they acquire, regardless of subscription status, and supports charitable causes. Humble Choice charges a monthly fee or an annual subscription fee and provides a selection of games each month, which are owned indefinitely by the subscriber. The service is more focused on indie titles and offers discounts on games in the Humble Store. It is particularly suited for gamers who enjoy indie games and those with older gaming PCs.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Thunder Lotus Games announces side-scrolling action adventure game At Fate’s End for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Thunder Lotus Games has announced a new project titled At Fate’s End, a side-scrolling action adventure game set for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. Players will take on the role of Shan, a young heiress wielding the God Sword Aesus, as she confronts her estranged siblings in emotionally charged duels. The game features a dual combat system, a narrative skill tree, and multiple endings influenced by player decisions. The game emphasizes themes of familial strife and reconciliation, contrasting with the farewell-focused narrative of the studio's previous title, Spiritfarer. An announcement trailer and screenshots are available for viewing.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft ‘Xbox PC’ branding surfaces in game dev publicity materials — Xbox App also sees big changes

Microsoft is working to unify its Windows and Xbox platforms, as indicated by the release of MIO: Memories In Orbit on both Steam and "Xbox PC." Gears of War: Reloaded will launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and Steam this summer. The Xbox App has been enhanced to allow users to access Xbox console games directly on their PCs, suggesting a merger of Xbox and Windows stores. The Steam Deck, launched in 2022, has influenced the gaming market, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. Lenovo's Legion Go S operates on SteamOS and Windows 11, with initial reviews showing it may outperform Windows devices. Microsoft is reportedly developing a handheld console, Project Kennan, integrated with Xbox Game Pass, expected to debut in late 2025. The Xbox Series X|S has sold 33 million units, while the PlayStation 5 has sold over 75 million. Windows remains dominant in PC gaming, but the rise of SteamOS poses a competitive threat.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox console games are suddenly showing up inside the Xbox PC app

Microsoft is integrating its Xbox and Windows platforms by including Xbox console games in the Xbox app on Windows, suggesting a strategy for a unified library of Xbox and PC games. The company is also working on enabling visibility for games from Steam and the Epic Games Store within the Xbox PC app. Microsoft has rebranded its Xbox PC app to "Xbox PC" and aims to establish it as a central hub for PC gaming. Additionally, Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows strengths for handheld devices, with changes expected later this year. There is speculation about whether Xbox console games will become playable on PC, potentially utilizing cloud infrastructure or emulation technology.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft is finally tidying up the Search options in the Windows 11 Settings page

Microsoft is updating the Settings page in Windows 11 by merging the "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" settings into a single page to improve navigation and visual appeal. This change, discovered by a user known as PhantomOfEarth, is currently in development and not yet available on the main Windows 11 branch, but can be previewed by users on Insider builds 26200.5622/26120.4230 by enabling feature ID 57471391. An official rollout is expected soon.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft’s Xbox app for Windows now shows your console games

Microsoft is showcasing console games within the Xbox PC app as part of a strategy to harmonize the Windows and Xbox ecosystems. The company is collaborating with ASUS on Project Kennan, a handheld device aimed at enhancing integration between Xbox and PC gaming. The goal is to establish a universal library for both Xbox and PC games, allowing gamers easy access to their favorite titles across platforms.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Why are Xbox Series X|S, Xbox 360 … and Windows Phone games showing up on the Xbox PC app?

The Xbox PC app, which allows access to Microsoft Store PC games and PC Game Pass, has been improving, but recent changes indicate issues with library management. Microsoft is unifying the back ends of the Xbox One store and Xbox Series X|S consoles, leading to beta tests for deactivated games appearing on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, resulting in unplayable clutter. Users cannot hide games or track cloud save statuses, and the "My PC games" section displays outdated and non-functional titles instead of actual PC games. Clicking on non-PC Xbox games redirects users to the Xbox console store without resolution, causing frustration among gamers. Microsoft is reportedly investing in enhancing Windows 11 PC gaming and the Xbox PC app, possibly in anticipation of an announcement regarding Project Kennan. The current inconsistencies may be due to backend unification efforts, creating confusion for Xbox gamers using various devices.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.

Winsage

June 8, 2025

Microsoft tests CPU energy-saving feature in Windows 11

In the latest test build of Windows 11, version 26200.5603, Microsoft introduced User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management, which optimizes CPU usage by reducing power consumption during inactivity. The system detects a lack of user activity, such as no mouse movements or keyboard inputs, and transitions into a low-power mode to conserve energy and extend battery life. When user interaction resumes, full CPU performance is restored. This feature is expected to be included in the upcoming final releases of Windows 11, specifically in versions 24H2 and 25H2.