Microsoft is getting ready to put out its first two Xbox gaming handhelds. They are updating the Xbox app to help with this. A big change will let people start games from Steam and other PC game stores right from the Xbox app. This will make the new devices easier to use.
In early June, Microsoft told us about two new Xbox gaming handhelds made with Asus. They will come out in a few months. They look a bit like the Asus ROG Ally and ROG Ally X but have the Xbox logo and use Windows 11. To take on others like the Steam Deck, Microsoft made the Xbox app better for gaming on the go.
The updated Xbox app will let you add and start games from different places, like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and Battle.net, right from your Xbox game list. This means you don't have to open lots of apps to play your games.
- This option is now open to Xbox Insiders (people in the beta test program).
- Everyone with the Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally (X) handhelds should get it by Christmas.
Microsoft said it supports the "big PC stores," mainly talking about Steam, but maybe the Epic Games Store and GOG too. They plan to add more stores later.
Once you install a game from a store that works with it, the game will pop up in your Xbox app library and in the "Recently Played" part. In the app settings, you can choose which stores show up in your Xbox game list.
Also, there's a new way to find games by their publisher in the app. This should make it easier to look through a lot of games, especially in the Game Pass list.
