Xbox Experience Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Starting this week, the Xbox PC app will integrate ‘leading PC gaming stores’ for Xbox Insiders — with no mention of Steam

Microsoft is rolling out a new aggregated store system for Xbox Insiders participating in the Windows 11 PC Gaming Preview, featuring an updated Xbox PC app that compiles offerings from various PC storefronts. The app will automatically detect games installed from other platforms, currently including Battle.net, and add them to the library section. Users can disable this feature in the settings. The integration aims to improve navigation through different PC store apps using a controller, especially with the upcoming launch of the Xbox Ally. Additional Windows functionalities for controller navigation are also expected.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft enters portable gaming with new ROG Xbox Ally devices

Microsoft is launching the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld devices, marking its entry into the handheld gaming market. Developed in collaboration with ASUS, these devices will provide seamless access to Xbox games, content streaming, and cloud gaming. They are designed to offer a versatile and user-friendly experience for mobile gamers.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Why the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X have Valve in their sights, not Nintendo

Microsoft has announced its first Xbox co-branded handheld devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, in collaboration with Asus, set to launch in the holiday season of 2025. Pricing details are not yet available. The Xbox Ally is designed as a generalist device, while the Xbox Ally X targets high-performance gamers, both powered by AMD processors and equipped with Windows 11. They feature Xbox-branded buttons, a gaming interface, and access to Xbox Game Pass, along with the ability to stream console libraries via Xbox Cloud Gaming and Remote Play. The user interface is similar to that of Xbox consoles, with ergonomic grips inspired by Xbox controllers. Accessibility features from Xbox and Windows will be included, and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative will allow games to function across PC, console, and cloud platforms. The launch will occur in multiple countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and several European nations, with plans to expand to additional territories. The devices aim to provide a unified gaming library for users with both PC and Xbox consoles, enhancing the existing ecosystem. The introduction of Windows 11 is highlighted as a key feature, offering access to games not available elsewhere. The ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X are positioned to compete with existing handhelds like the Steam Deck, with a focus on appealing to both console and PC gamers. Sales of Windows PC handhelds reached approximately 1.2 million units by the end of 2024.

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.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

Windows 11 Home vs Pro for Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?

Upgrading from Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro does not yield significant benefits in gaming performance, compatibility, or features for most gamers. Both editions provide identical gaming performance, supporting the same core gaming technologies such as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and Game Mode. Windows 11 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM and one CPU socket with 64 cores, while Windows 11 Pro supports up to 2 TB of RAM and two CPU sockets with 128 cores. Pro includes additional features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtualization, and Group Policy management, which are not typically utilized by gamers. The price of Windows 11 Home is lower than that of Pro, making it a more cost-effective choice for gaming. Both editions meet the hardware requirements for modern gaming, and compatibility with major games and platforms is consistent across both versions.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Windows 11 Makes Gaming More Accessible: Xbox Controller Typing is Here

Microsoft is introducing Copilot for Gaming, an AI-powered assistant aimed at enhancing the Xbox experience by providing support such as tutorials, in-game guidance, and automating tasks like game installations and updates. The assistant utilizes natural language processing for user interaction through spoken and written commands and will initially be available on smartphones for Xbox Insiders. Fatima Kardar, Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI at Xbox, emphasized that Copilot will personalize the gaming experience by adapting to individual player preferences, assisting with game setup, recommending titles, and fostering social connections among gamers.

Winsage

October 28, 2024

New Windows Home Experience Is Available for Xbox Insiders

The Xbox Insider program has introduced a revamped Windows Home experience within the Xbox app, featuring a new design that highlights top games on Game Pass and the Store. Users can access new games, receive curated recommendations, and stay updated with the latest news. The interface also emphasizes free-to-play content. This update is based on extensive feedback and aims to streamline navigation between Game Pass and the Microsoft Store. Key features include a focus on featured content, upcoming game releases, curated collections, personalized recommendations, and the 'Jump Back In' feature for quick access to games. Currently, this experience is exclusive to Xbox Insiders, who can join by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub.

Winsage

May 14, 2024

Xbox is getting an update update to help improve updates, here’s how it works

- Microsoft has unveiled a feature that allows Xbox players to pre-download updates for their favorite games, starting with "Sea of Thieves." - The feature is currently being tested in the Xbox Alpha Ring for members of the Xbox Insider Program. - The update pre-download feature allows gamers to download updates days before they are scheduled to release, reducing wait times. - Early downloads will occur automatically but updates will not be applied until mandatory, minimizing downtime for players. - Microsoft is also continuously improving the Xbox experience with other enhancements, such as allowing consoles to remember previous Wi-Fi settings. - There is anticipation for more substantial developments in the future, including potential features like the ability to install Steam and the Epic Game Store on Xbox consoles.