PC storefronts Archives

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

Console-like Xbox Mode boosts game performance on Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft has rolled out a new Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, designed to provide a console-like gaming interface that enhances the gaming experience across various devices. This mode, initially introduced on the ROG Xbox Ally X and later expanded to Windows Insider users, allows for controller navigation and minimizes background processes for improved performance. Xbox Mode aggregates game libraries from multiple storefronts, enabling seamless switching between it and the standard Windows 11 desktop. Preliminary tests indicate that Xbox Mode offers performance improvements over standard Windows 11, particularly for Nvidia graphics cards. A YouTuber's analysis showed over 15 percent better performance in 1% low framerates and a 4.3 percent increase in average framerates at 1080p using an Nvidia card. At 1440p, improvements were 25 percent higher 1% lows and a 6.7 percent increase in average framerates. For AMD cards, the gains were less significant, with only a 2.5 percent increase in 1% lows at 1080p and a 1.4 percent improvement at 1440p. However, Xbox Mode has limitations, including issues with multi-monitor setups where secondary displays are blanked out, preventing access to other applications while gaming.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today

The rollout of Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs begins today in select markets, providing a console-inspired gaming experience for laptops, desktops, and tablets. This mode features a controller-optimized, full-screen interface that allows easy access to games and minimizes distractions. Players in select regions can download Xbox mode today, with plans for broader availability in the coming weeks. Xbox mode enables users to browse and launch games, switch between Xbox mode and the Windows desktop, and access a comprehensive game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles. Feedback from players has influenced the development of Xbox mode, which aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices. To access Xbox mode, users must ensure their Windows 11 PC is set to receive the latest updates.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Disney Pulls 14 Classic Games From PC Storefronts With No Explanation

Disney has removed 14 licensed games from the Steam platform, making them unavailable for new purchases. The games, primarily from the 1990s and early 2000s, include titles like Disney's Hercules Action Game and Finding Nemo. The most recent removal is Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure from 2014, while the oldest is Stunt Island from 1992. Some of these games were also available on GOG, and their removal from both platforms means they are now entirely inaccessible on PC for those without physical copies. The complete list of removed games includes: - Afterlife - Armed and Dangerous - Disney's Chicken Little: Ace in Action - Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell's Adventure - Disney's Hercules Action Game - Disney Planes - Disney The Princess and the Frog - Disney Winnie the Pooh - Disney•Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs Adventures - Disney•Pixar Finding Nemo - Disney•Pixar Toy Story Mania! - Lucidity - Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions - Stunt Island The reason for the removals is unclear, and Disney has not provided any official comment. This action reflects Disney's fluctuating commitment to its gaming business, which has seen a decline since the 2010s, despite a recent tentative return with new titles.

Winsage

December 9, 2025

Windows PC gaming in 2025: Handheld innovation, Arm progress and DirectX advances

Windows has been a key platform for PC gaming, evolving significantly by 2025 with advancements in handheld gaming and performance. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, were introduced, enhancing handheld gaming experiences. The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) was launched for these devices, optimizing gaming interfaces. Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) was implemented, reducing load times by over 80% for some titles. System-level performance improvements included tuned power management and lower CPU overhead. Windows also focused on Arm devices, enabling local game installations through the Xbox PC app and expanding compatibility with the Prism emulator. Native anti-cheat support was introduced for Arm devices, enhancing competitive gaming. DirectX 12 advancements included features that improved ray tracing performance by up to 2.3×. Bluetooth LE Audio support was added to enhance audio quality for gamers. Upcoming innovations include expanding FSE to more Windows devices, further ASD support, and a preview of Auto Super Resolution for improved visuals in games.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Horses, the Upsetting Horror Game Previously Banned on Steam, Gets Last Minute Ban From Epic Games Store Too

Humble has reinstated the game "Horses" on its platform after a temporary delisting for reevaluation. Developer Santa Ragione stated that the game's content, while heavy, did not warrant removal. However, Humble later decided to delist "Horses" again. The game was previously banned from Steam and Epic Games Store due to violations of content guidelines, with Epic citing "Inappropriate Content" and "Hateful or Abusive Content." Santa Ragione's appeal to Epic was denied without further explanation. The game has received attention for its unsettling premise, which critiques societal acceptance of morally horrifying actions. Despite facing bans, "Horses" is currently available on Humble, itch.io, and GOG.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

New Horror Game Is Banned on Almost Every Major PC Storefront

A new Italian horror game, Horses, has been banned from major PC storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Humble, due to its AO (Adults Only) rating. The developer, Santa Ragione, reported that Valve did not clearly communicate the reasons for the ban, and despite making content adjustments, Valve did not reassess the game. Epic Games Store cited the AO rating as the reason for their withdrawal of support, referencing violations of their policies on inappropriate and abusive content. Humble has not provided clarity on its reasons for the ban. Currently, Horses is available for purchase on GOG and Itch.io, where it has a user review score of 4.4 out of 5 on GOG.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

The holiday season is an ideal time to gift a Windows 11 PC, which can enhance gaming setups, assist with creative projects, and simplify daily tasks. Windows 11 PCs now feature Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that streamlines tasks through voice commands. A survey shows that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI weekly. Various Windows 11 PCs are available for different users, including: - Lenovo Legion 5 15": A gaming laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 260 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, starting at ,249.99 MSRP, currently ,169.99 at Walmart. - ROG Xbox Ally: A portable gaming device starting at 9.99, available at Microsoft.com and Best Buy. - Dell 16 Plus Laptop: Designed for students, starting at ,149.99 MSRP. - Samsung Galaxy Book5 360: A versatile 2-in-1 PC starting at ,349.99 MSRP. - Acer Aspire 14 AI: A portable laptop starting at 9.99 MSRP at Costco.com. - ASUS Zenbook 14: Lightweight with multi-day battery life, starting at 9 MSRP at Walmart. - Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC: Starting at ,199.99 at Best Buy. - Surface Pro 12-inch: A portable 2-in-1 device starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. - HP OmniBook 5 14-inch: Offers long battery life, starting at 9.99 MSRP. - Surface Laptop 13-inch: Lightweight with AI features, starting at 9.99 MSRP at Best Buy. Retailers like Microsoft, Best Buy, and Costco offer significant holiday deals on these PCs, with discounts and promotions available. Microsoft.com features exclusive deals, price protection, and free shipping until January 31, 2026. Xbox deals include discounts on games and accessories, with Xbox Game Pass Premium subscriptions and Microsoft gift cards available as gift options.

AppWizard

October 9, 2025

The creator of this forgotten, Valve-funded FPS with Half-Life ties couldn’t “wait to get out of the room” with Gabe Newell

Gunman Chronicles, released in 2000 and built on the Half-Life engine, was published by Sierra Studios but has never been available on any official PC storefronts, including Steam. The project lead, Herbert Flower, revealed that the development team, composed of modders from various countries, faced financial constraints that led them to seek assistance from Valve. Valve invited the team to its Seattle headquarters, where they worked for about two and a half months and received a funding boost. Despite the collaboration, Flower's relationship with Gabe Newell was strained, and the team ultimately received only 11% of the game's earnings after Sierra's cut. The game's launch was described as "anticlimactic," and Flower speculated that disputes over rights following Sierra's merger with Vivendi might explain the game's absence from Steam. Despite solid sales, the game received mixed reviews, with some critics noting its similarities to Half-Life.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

Good news for Windows handhelds: Microsoft is now letting you launch installed Steam, Battle.net, and other storefront games from the Xbox app

Xbox is rolling out a new feature that will unify game libraries across multiple storefronts, introducing an "aggregated gaming library" in the Xbox app. This feature allows users to view their entire game collection, including games from various PC storefronts like Xbox Game Pass and Battle.net. Additionally, a "cross-device play history" feature will debut later this month. The updates aim to enhance the Xbox app's functionality, potentially reducing the need for third-party applications for managing games. This initiative aligns with Microsoft's vision of creating a comprehensive gaming ecosystem.