Along with introducing two new handhelds in the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, Microsoft also gave us a look at what the future holds for software. Instead of dealing with a bunch of different launchers to access your various games, Microsoft is introducing a revamped experience. And you don’t have to wait if you want to try this out for yourself.
This new experience will consolidate your different game libraries into one, with the Xbox app acting as the “hub.” Microsoft previously confirmed that this functionality will first be released on the upcoming Xbox Ally handhelds, before it rolls out more broadly.
Earlier today, Microsoft began rolling out an updated Xbox app to those enrolled in the Xbox Insiders program. Once installed, you’ll be able to view and install games from Steam and Battle.net, in addition to what’s in your Xbox library.
In the rollout announcement, Microsoft also confirms that Steam and Battle.net won’t be the only options. The company will “continue rolling out support for additional PC storefronts over time.” It’ll be intersting to see how GOG is handled, since it can already be used to consolidate multiple storefronts into a single app.
If you want to try this out for yourself, it’s actually much easier than you might think. Just download the Xbox Insider Hub app on your Windows PC or handheld of choice, then follow the on-screen steps. After that’s complete, you should be able to either just download the beta version of the Xbox app, or an update will appear within the Microsoft Store.
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Weird how they are using .net, the service they illegally purchased last year, in order to illegally boost their invasion of a new market.
Microsoft (the corporation that owns XBox, which is already a console, albeit not a handheld) created .net in the late 1990s and continues to maintain it, and they opened the source in 2014, so no one needs to purchase it to use it…
I’m sure the overwhelming successes of the PSP, Vita, Steam Deck, various gaming Androids, and Switch must have finally convinced Microsoft that there was money to be made in the handheld console market, but I don’t know what you mean when you call it illegal…
I feel like you’re comment baiting, but have a reply anyway ig
What???????
When can Xbox users download it?
Never
This is for Windows PCs.
What’s the point of them adding this if it’s not on console pc can just go on the other stores as it is… so dumb.
This is the opposite of what we need. We need to be able to play our game pass games within Steam.
Will this end the ridiculous way you have to have Battle net and Stream account to play an Xbox game? I.e CALL OF DUTY.
So many more issues with that many Launcher s and Platforms.
Love to play but sometimes it’s a hassle. Now to be fair, my console has power issue so playing on PC.
SilverBack 7
to all: If you dont get it, why not just be silent?
This is why 3rd Party like Playnite exists .. xbox isnt a console platform anymore.
Its a well awaited step to unify things – dedicated consoles from microsoft are dead.
Is that why they already announced a new upcoming console? Do some research before you pretend to know what you’re talking about.