Xbox's Latest Update Overhauls Console Experience, Ditches Game Pass App
Xbox has just released a new update to round out September, offering new features to those using its services via the Xbox App, PC, and consoles. For PC players, things are getting more compact. For console users, updates are beginning to improve in a significant way. Here's everything you need to know about all the changes happening in the Xbox ecosystem.
Compact Mode
PC players can now use a compact version of the Game Bar. This feature allows you to select recently played games, explore the widget store, and navigate common game launchers. The compact mode had been available to Insiders and is now open to all. It's designed to be less cumbersome, especially if you're streaming to mobile.
Turning on Compact Mode is simple:
- Go to the Game Bar
- Select Settings
- Under the General tab, switch Compact Mode on
Game Management
Now, you can view and install all add-ons to the game you're downloading, regardless of when they were first bought and whether on PC or via the Xbox App. If a game you're installing has add-ons, they'll be displayed in one place for you to see.
To take advantage of this feature:
- Right-click any game you have installed
- Visit the left navigation panel
- Click on Manage and then Add-ons
Xbox App
If you're an Xbox beta member, you'll already be able to start using features from the Xbox Game Pass app within the Xbox app. Beta members can now look through Game Pass and manage their memberships from the Xbox App. If they're subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, they'll be able to claim their perks and stream specific games via Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS or Android devices. This will soon be available for everyone.
Because of this, the Xbox Game Pass app will no longer support new downloads starting in November. It's going to app heaven.
Xbox Consoles
If you've ever sat down on your couch to enjoy some Xbox gaming and then been notified that what you want to play requires a 75GB update, this feature should give you hope. There's a new setting that will pre-download updates and set them live as soon as the developer says go.
To enable this new feature:
- Go to My Games & Apps
- Select Manage
- Select Updates
From there, you'll see all the pre-downloads, which at the moment is not very many. This feature currently only works with Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Cassette Beasts, but many more titles will soon support it.
Wish List Notifications
If a game on your wish list becomes part of a Free Play Day, hits its release date, or joins Game Pass, you'll now be notified. What a novel concept! And you can, of course, switch off this notification, although if you want to, it's not clear why you were wishlisting things in the first place.
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