Xbox PC App Eclipse of Steam: Possible Single App I'll Regularly Need (No Apologies Intended)
Gaming on Windows, Xbox Style:
Microsoft is gunning for Steam's throne with the Xbox app, transforming Windows into a gaming heaven. The news isn't exactly shocking given the ROG Xbox Ally and AMD partnership announcements. and it's happening right now for Xbox Insiders rocking Windows 11 PCs and handheld devices!
Just download the Xbox app, opt-in for the PC Gaming preview, and join the fun! It's a cinch to play PC games from Steam and Battle.net. But will Xbox become the dominant gaming app? Only time will tell.
The Xbox app isn't just about Steam and Battle.net, Microsoft claims any storefront can be integrated. Unfortunately, my old Windows 10 device isn't joining the party just yet. If Linux can't save me, I'm sold on Windows 11!
For those worrying about controller compatibility, fear not. Microsoft is promising enhanced compatibility across games within the Xbox app. Sadly, the PS5 DualSense controller isn't an option due to incompatibility.
Steam games can be a bit temperamental, requiring updates, file validation, controller configuration, and DLC downloads. Will the Xbox app streamline these processes? Only time will tell when the Steam interface appears within the Xbox app or if games simply launch from the app.
Socializing is still a Steam exclusive affair, but Microsoft might decide to aggregate that in its social section. If the final product shines, the Xbox app could be the talking point of the PC gaming world.
Even though the integration is still in testing, it's clear Microsoft aims to offer a superior gaming experience on Windows 11. As for when you can dive in, check your Windows updates tab this week. The party might start today, or Saturday!
Streamlined PC Gaming Experience
- An integrated Xbox app aggregates games from various storefronts like Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG into a unified library[1][2][3][5].
- Players can launch these games directly from the Xbox app, although some third-party games may still require separate clients upon launch[4].
- The app's interface clearly marks the platform origin of each game with icons to help identify them[3].
- Users can choose to customize their library view by hiding specific stores in the app's settings[5].
Improved PC Gaming Experience
- This integration reduces the hassle of managing multiple game clients, streamlining game discovery and launch processes for PC gamers on Windows 11.
- With Xbox as the central hub, the app aims to become the primary PC gaming access point, boosting Windows 11's appeal for gamers[5].
- The integration lays the groundwork for Microsoft's upcoming handheld gaming devices like the Xbox Ally, offering seamless performance across devices[3][5].
Controller Compatibility on Windows 11
- Improved controller compatibility for Windows 11 is expected thanks to Microsoft's focus on gaming, particularly through the Xbox PC interface.
- Xbox controller compatibility is likely to be optimized for games launched via the Xbox app, providing uniform behavior across titles from various storefronts[4].
- The integration could simplify controller configuration by centralizing game launches within one app environment[4].
- The unified library within the Xbox app on Windows 11 will include games from different platforms like Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games Store, and GOG, offering a streamlined gaming experience.
- The Xbox app's interface will clearly indicate the origin of each game, making it easy for users to identify them and launch them directly from the app.
- Customizing the library view in the app's settings will allow users to hide specific stores they don't use.
- The improved controller compatibility on Windows 11 will be beneficial, particularly for games launched via the Xbox app, ensuring uniform behavior across titles from various storefronts.
- The Xbox app's integration on Windows 11 will simplify controller configuration by centralizing game launches within one app environment, reducing the hassle of managing multiple game clients.
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