Microsoft has announced plans to integrate features from the Xbox Game Pass app into the Xbox app on mobile devices, with the upgrade set to roll out this week. The revised Xbox app, which will include Game Pass functionalities, will be made accessible on iOS, Android, and iPadOS. As part of this transition, Microsoft will stop all downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app beginning in November. The company has also introduced several enhancements related to Xbox for PC and consoles, such as the new Game Bar Compact Mode and other improvements to the Xbox app on PC.
Integration of Game Pass Features into Xbox App
This update will merge the features of the Xbox Game Pass app into the Xbox app, initially available to Xbox beta members on mobile platforms this week. Eventually, the new unified Xbox app will be available to all users. Following the update, Microsoft will discontinue support for new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app starting in November.
The Xbox app will now allow users to navigate Microsoft’s game subscription service and manage their memberships effectively. Users can explore the complete Game Pass catalog, receive notifications about new games, and keep abreast of the latest offerings, as stated in a recent Xbox Wire post.
Subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate will benefit from being able to view and claim perks, as well as stream select games via Xbox Cloud Gaming on their iOS or Android devices.
The Xbox app will retain its existing features for all users, including social functionalities, game update notifications, party chat during gameplay, achievement tracking, and the capability to remotely install games on consoles.
Updates for Xbox on PC
In its September update, Microsoft has confirmed that Game Bar Compact Mode is now accessible to all PC players. Initially launched for Xbox Insiders, this new mode is designed to optimize the Xbox Game Bar for smaller screens and handheld Windows gaming devices.
The Game Bar allows Windows players to track recently played games, access game launchers, and capture gameplay recordings. The Compact Mode enhances user experience by simplifying access to Game Bar widgets for smaller displays. A new feature enables users to quit games directly from the Home widget within the Compact Mode.
To enable Game Bar Compact Mode, users can navigate to Game Bar Settings and activate the Compact Mode toggle located in the General tab.
Users can view and manage add-ons in one place
Photo Credit: Microsoft
The Xbox app on PC has also received an update to enhance the game management experience within the app. Users can now see and install related add-ons for games as they install those titles, eliminating the need to search for add-ons separately. Additionally, managing add-ons or extra content for a game can be done through right-clicking an installed title, selecting “Manage,” and then accessing the “Add-ons” section.
Enhanced Game Management on Xbox Consoles
On the console front, Xbox players can now pre-download game updates, allowing them to start playing immediately once an update is available. This can be accomplished by navigating to My Games & Apps on the Xbox console, selecting Manage, and then Updates, where users can view all pre-download options for their games. Currently, this feature supports select games, with plans for broader availability in the future.
Furthermore, Xbox users will receive notifications when a game on their wish list is released, added to Game Pass, or made available through a Free Play Day promotion.
