Xbox app Archives

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

The Amazon Memorial Day Sale Takes $100 Off the Popular Asus ROG Xbox Ally Handheld, an Inexpensive and Portable Solution to PC Gaming

Handheld gaming devices have remained affordable despite rising prices for gaming laptops and PCs. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC is currently available for .99 at Amazon and Best Buy, matching its lowest recorded price during Black Friday. Released in October 2025, it features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The device operates on Windows 11 but launches directly into the Xbox App, enhancing performance. The non-X model has a Ryzen Z2 A processor, offering performance comparable to the Steam Deck's APU, but does not match the capabilities of the higher-end Xbox Ally X model.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 launch times and release date in your region

Forza Horizon 6 will be set in Japan and features a new Horizon Festival with street racing, drifting, and kei trucks. The early access launch for the Premium edition will be at 12:01 AM local time for Xbox and Xbox App users, and at 9:01 PM PDT for US Pacific timezone players on May 14. Steam users will have access at 4:01 AM UTC. Global release times include: 12:01 AM EDT (US Eastern), 5:01 AM GMT (UK), 6:01 AM CEST (Europe), 2:01 PM AEST (Australia), 4:01 PM NZST (New Zealand), and 1:01 PM JST (Japan). Preloads are available, requiring 160 GB on PC and at least 135 GB on Xbox, and PC gamers must update their Gaming Services for optimal performance.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 is Verified on Steam Deck

Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on May 19 and will be Verified for Steam Deck and optimized for various PC gaming handhelds. Gamers can preload the game on Steam and the Xbox app, and it features cross-save capability across multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, SteamOS devices, and PlayStation 5. The game offers customizable settings for PC users and has specific system requirements. Pre-orders for the Premium Edition are open, granting Early Access on May 15, VIP Membership, a Welcome Pack, the Time Attack Car Pack, a Car Pass with 30 cars, the Italian Passion Car Pack, and two Premium Expansions post-launch.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s May Update Is Actually Good This Time – Here’s What’s Coming on Tuesday

Microsoft's Windows 11 May update is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026, featuring several enhancements. Key highlights include the introduction of Xbox Mode, which provides a console-like gaming experience on PCs, and a rethinking of AI integration, with changes to the Copilot features in various tools. The update also fixes the white flash issue in File Explorer, improves loading speeds, and allows users to maintain view preferences in Downloads and Documents folders. Additional updates include the renaming and relocation of Drop Tray, FAT32 formatting support for drives up to 2 TB, expanded haptic feedback features, and stricter controls on batch file execution for enhanced security. Users can access the update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Steam Controller review: Somehow both the most and least versatile PC controller

The Steam Controller has gained significant attention and demand, leading to inflated prices by scalpers. Valve is working on additional stock to meet this demand. The controller is ergonomically designed for comfort and features customizable buttons and touchpads that enhance gameplay. It includes gyro controls for added versatility, allowing extensive customization for users. However, it operates on Steam Input, which may cause compatibility issues with non-Steam applications, and lacks a 3.5mm headphone port. The Steam Controller is best suited for dedicated Steam users who enjoy customization, while those preferring a straightforward experience may find it less appealing.

Winsage

May 3, 2026

Your PC is an Xbox, your Android is a Windows Phone, and Windows K2 is here to save Windows 11

Microsoft has restructured its Windows team to enhance Windows 11 and restore user confidence. A new preview build will hide the MSN feed by default, allowing access to widgets on a dedicated page. The latest optional non-security preview update includes reliability upgrades and AI agents. Windows 11 now features Xbox Mode, providing a full-screen, controller-friendly interface for gamers. Significant improvements have been made for Xbox Series X|S consoles and the Xbox app on PC. The original Xbox dashboard has been reverse-engineered for use as a PC launcher. A new custom Android launcher, METROV, recreates the Windows Phone 8.1 experience, while community efforts like 8Marketplace are reviving Windows Phone 8 through restored app access.

Winsage

May 2, 2026

“Xbox mode is easily the headline feature”: In May’s Windows 11 update, I walk through the 11 upgrades that change how we use the OS, and why some of them surprised me

Microsoft will begin rolling out the May 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on May 12, 2026. Key features of this update include: 1. Xbox Mode: Transforms PCs into a console-like experience, prioritizing system resources for gaming and freeing up to 2GB of memory. 2. Voice Typing Improvements: Redesign of Voice Typing elements on the touch keyboard. 3. New Arabic 101 Legacy Keyboard Layout: Available for addition from the Region page in Settings. 4. Drop Tray Changes: Renamed from Drag Tray and can be disabled in Settings > System > Multitasking. 5. Taskbar AI Agents Support: Allows monitoring of AI agents directly from the Taskbar, starting with the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. 6. Debloat Policy with Dynamic List Support: Enables administrators to specify additional apps for removal beyond the default list. 7. Windows Driver Policy Update: Changes how the kernel manages trust for third-party drivers, eliminating default trust for cross-signed drivers. 8. Batch File Security Changes: Enhances security for batch files and Command Prompt scripts, with an option for a hardened processing mode. 9. Format FAT32 up to 2TB: The format command-line tool now supports formatting volumes up to 2TB using FAT32.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Massive new Xbox Ally X update brings major changes to the Steam Deck’s handheld rival

The latest update for the Xbox Ally X introduces several enhancements, including improved docked usage, expanded game library support, and automatic upscaling through Auto Super Resolution. The handheld now automatically transitions gameplay to a connected display, disables its own screen to conserve resources, and activates Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate settings on compatible displays. Users can adjust external display settings via the Game Bar overlay without exiting games. Controller pairing has been improved, with handheld controls disabled when a controller is connected. The left thumbstick can now function as a cursor for navigating applications that do not support controller input. Auto Super Resolution allows games to run at 720p but output at 1440p on external displays. The update also enhances support for the Xbox Wireless Headset and Bluetooth LE Audio, improves haptic feedback, and allows users to add custom game links in the Xbox app for easier access to games.

Winsage

May 1, 2026

Windows 11 KB5083631 update released with 34 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5083631 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, featuring 34 enhancements aimed at improving user experience and system performance. Key features include a new Xbox mode for immersive gaming, improved performance for startup applications, enhanced security for batch files and CMD scripts, haptic feedback on supported devices, improvements to Secure Boot, and updates to Kerberos authentication. The update also addresses issues with Windows Security event logging, eliminates a white flash in dark mode, and increases the reliability of explorer.exe processes. Users can install the update via Windows Settings under Windows Update. After installation, Windows 11 devices will be updated to builds 26100.8328 and 26200.8328. Additionally, updated Secure Boot certificates are being rolled out, and some Windows Server 2025 devices may require a BitLocker recovery key after the update.

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.