Microsoft today announced that a number of big features it had been testing for the Xbox app on PC with Insiders are now rolling out to everyone. This includes the ability to manage installed third-party games on the PC or handheld and easily launch third-party storefronts like Steam or GOG without using the desktop.
The biggest feature of the update is the Aggregated Gaming Library. As evident by its name, this brings together games installed on the device into the Xbox app for quick and easy access without having to use multiple launchers. This essentially makes the Xbox app on PC a universal launcher like GOG Galaxy or Playnite.
Support for titles from places like Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and GOG is currently here. The option to disable this feature can be found in the app"s Settings section.
"When you install a game from a supported PC storefront, it automatically appears in "My Library" within the Xbox PC app, as well as the "Most Recent" list of titles in the sidebar, so you can jump back into your favorite games with just a click," explains Microsoft.
Next, the My Apps feature lets users access popular applications on Windows quickly via the Xbox app. This can include launchers from rival storefronts too, and even web browsers for easy access. Microsoft is the one selecting what is supported by this feature, with more apps gaining official access in future updates.
"This new tab in my library brings third-party apps and storefronts together in one convenient place, supporting the aggregated gaming library so you can find, download, and launch games from multiple locations, without switching between apps or your desktop," continues the company.
Later this month, Microsoft also plans to bring in the Play History upgrade that shows cloud-playable games into the mix, letting players jump back into their titles instantly from their recently played list.
As it can be seen by the above images provided by Microsoft, all these updates are especially aimed towards making the handheld gaming experience of Windows devices a better one. The company has two Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices coming out this holiday season after all.