Microsoft has made a significant stride in enhancing the gaming experience on its Xbox platform, as announced on their Xbox Wire blog. The company is rolling out an aggregated storefront and games integration feature, which will be available to users in the coming hours. This update allows the Xbox PC app to seamlessly identify games owned and downloaded from various PC storefronts, including Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, and integrates them into the app’s library for effortless access.
Upon detection, these games will be displayed within the library, streamlining the process of launching titles across different platforms. This new functionality is distinct from the enhanced gaming experience set to debut with the Xbox Ally, a forthcoming handheld device, which promises to elevate gaming on the go.
Starting today, we’re excited to share that new updates are rolling out for Xbox on PC and handheld that make it easier to launch and manage your games and apps – all in one place.
In response to feedback from Xbox Insiders and the broader community, several new features have been introduced to enhance the gaming experience on Windows PCs and handheld devices. The aggregated gaming library, cross-device play history, and updated app functionality provide users with greater control over their gaming preferences, allowing for quick access to beloved titles.
Aggregated Gaming Library to Launch Your Games
The new aggregated gaming library consolidates your game collection, showcasing installed titles from various PC storefronts, including Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, and Battle.net. This integration simplifies access to your games, whether you are using a Windows PC or a handheld device.
When a game is installed from a supported storefront, it will automatically appear in “My Library” within the Xbox PC app, as well as in the “Most Recent” section of the sidebar. This feature allows gamers to dive back into their favorite titles with just a click.
Control What You See in Your Library
With the new update, games installed from supported storefronts will automatically populate in My Library and the Most Recent section of the Xbox PC app. For those who prefer a more curated view, customization options are available:
- Select your profile picture
- Navigate to Settings
- Go to Library & Extensions
- Locate the listed storefronts
- Toggle off any listings you wish to exclude
Once disabled, these titles will no longer appear in your library, granting you complete control over its appearance.
Get to Other PC Storefronts Faster with My Apps
A new tab in My Library consolidates third-party apps and storefronts, supporting the aggregated gaming library. This feature allows users to find, download, and launch games from multiple locations without the need to switch between different applications or the desktop environment.
Just Pick Up and Play
Later this September, players will enjoy the convenience of having their cloud-playable games and gameplay history accessible across all devices. To identify which games are cloud playable, users can apply the “cloud playable” filter in “My games” to view their catalog of supported titles.
Once this feature is rolled out, players will find a “Jump back in” list on the Home screen of their console, PC, or handheld, allowing them to easily resume their recent gaming sessions.
Help Shape the Future of Xbox
For ongoing updates and the latest news from Xbox, users are encouraged to stay tuned to Xbox Wire. For support related to Xbox updates, the official Xbox Support site is available for assistance.
