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Xbox mode is now available on PC Windows 11
Winsage
May 1, 2026

Xbox mode is now available on PC Windows 11

Microsoft has begun rolling out a dedicated Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs, providing a full-screen console interface that enhances the gaming experience. Users can switch between this Xbox mode and the standard desktop by pressing the Win and F11 keys. The new interface is optimized for modern gamepads and reduces background processes by 15%, improving performance during gaming. It includes a built-in library for easy access to the Xbox catalog, Game Pass, and other digital storefronts like Steam. Early access to the mode can be obtained through the update center, with a gradual rollout planned. Users will eventually be able to set the Xbox app as the default Home app for quicker access to gaming.
New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More
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.
Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today
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.
Aphelion Lands On Xbox, PlayStation And PC - And It’s On Game Pass Day One
AppWizard
April 29, 2026

Aphelion Lands On Xbox, PlayStation And PC – And It’s On Game Pass Day One

Aphelion is a sci-fi action-adventure game developed and published by DON’T NOD, available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and PC. It is a Game Pass Day One title, allowing subscribers to access it without upfront costs. The game follows two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, who crash-land on the ninth planet, Persephone, and must navigate its harsh, frozen environment. Players experience the story through both characters, with Ariane focusing on agility and exploration, while Thomas relies on observation and problem-solving. The game features stealth elements as players must evade a mysterious lifeform. Aphelion received a score of 3.5/5 in reviews, praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and visuals, despite some mechanical shortcomings. It is available in various digital storefronts, including a standard edition and a Day One edition with cosmetic enhancements.
Valve’s new Steam Controller has a major problem for PC games not on Steam
AppWizard
April 28, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Controller has a major problem for PC games not on Steam

The new Steam Controller lacks native Windows drivers, making it dependent on the Steam application for functionality. This means it cannot be used effectively with games from other platforms like the Epic Games Store or Xbox Game Pass, as it cannot interface with locked files on Windows 11. Gamers wanting to play titles like Forza Horizon 6 via Game Pass must purchase them directly from Steam to use the controller. While Valve could release standard Windows drivers to address this issue, there is skepticism about their willingness to do so. The gaming community previously developed a tool called GlosSI to enable the original Steam Controller to work with non-Steam applications, and a similar solution may emerge for the new model.
Gabe Newell once said Steam wasn't 'the answer to digital distribution,' proving that even Gabe Newell is wrong about stuff sometimes
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

Gabe Newell once said Steam wasn’t ‘the answer to digital distribution,’ proving that even Gabe Newell is wrong about stuff sometimes

Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, integrated Steam with Half-Life 2, significantly influencing PC gaming despite initial skepticism about digital platforms. In a 2011 interview, he warned that the gaming industry is ever-changing and emphasized the need for continuous innovation to provide value to partners like EA, Ubisoft, and Take-Two. At that time, EA's withdrawal of titles from Steam raised concerns about the platform's future, prompting Newell to stress the importance of demonstrating value to developers. Currently, Steam remains a dominant force in digital distribution, maintaining a large user base and benefiting from seasonal sales. Publishers such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, and Take-Two have returned to Steam after testing their own storefronts and the Epic Games Store, recognizing its extensive reach and user engagement. Steam has recently surpassed 42 million concurrent users and continues to expand its library, all while keeping its revenue-sharing model at a 70/30 split. Despite developer concerns, the return of partners indicates that Steam's value proposition is still strong.
Zenless Zone Zero coming to Steam later this year
AppWizard
April 26, 2026

Zenless Zone Zero coming to Steam later this year

Zenless Zone Zero is set to be released on PC in the second quarter of 2026, with a Steam page now available for pre-release tests and a goal of reaching 300,000 wishlists for a milestone event. The game received a mixed review score of 55% from Kerry Brunskill, who described it as a "shallow, polished front for a relentless online store." Developer MiHoYo, known for successful titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, previously achieved 50 million downloads of Zenless Zone Zero within a week of its initial launch. There were speculations about a 40% chance of HoYoverse games coming to Steam due to concerns over revenue cuts, but the games have a strong following that may allow them to succeed without Steam. The Epic Games Store has faced criticism, and the release of Zenless Zone Zero may test its appeal compared to other storefronts.
GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time

GOG is offering a free download of the 2022 point-and-click horror game, The Whispering Valley, until April 28, after which it will return to its regular price of .99. This is the first time the game has been available for free on any PC platform. Developed by Studio Chien d’Or, the game has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on GOG and an 89% approval rating on Steam, where it is rated as "Very Positive." The game is set in the village of Sainte-Monique-Des-Monts, Quebec, in 1896, featuring a haunting narrative and atmospheric gameplay. User reviews praise its atmosphere and story but mention long loading times and simplistic gameplay mechanics. The game has a playtime of approximately two to three hours.
BAFTA pulls game trailer over 'themes that may be a trigger' even after developer revision
AppWizard
April 18, 2026

BAFTA pulls game trailer over ‘themes that may be a trigger’ even after developer revision

Alyx Jones, founder of Silver Script Games, had the trailer for her upcoming game, The Quiet Things, pulled from the BAFTA awards due to its sensitive content. BAFTA stated the decision was made to protect guests from potentially triggering themes without sufficient warning. The trailer, which explores themes of abuse and trauma, is now available on YouTube and is described as less shocking than some other recent games. Jones emphasized the personal significance of her work, highlighting its focus on trauma, survival, and giving a voice to survivors.
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