SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox December 2025 Update Brings Mobile Store Upgrade and Next-Gen Audio Enhancements

The Xbox December Update rounds out 2025 with quality-of-life upgrades across mobile, audio, and gaming features. The Xbox mobile app now includes a dedicated Store tab, making it easier to browse, wishlist, and purchase games, add-ons, and Game Pass subscriptions in one place. On the hardware side, a new firmware update for the Xbox Wireless Headset adds Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio support for compatible Windows 11 devices, delivering lower latency, improved battery life, higher-quality stereo voice chat, and new shared audio capabilities.

Xbox Mobile App Updates

In April, Xbox added the ability to buy games and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass directly through the Xbox mobile app. A dedicated Store tab has now been introduced to make discovering and purchasing games, add-ons, and Game Pass subscriptions faster and more convenient. Additional browsing improvements include the ability to add games to a Wishlist and search for add-ons directly within the app, making it easier for players to explore and manage their content.

Xbox Wireless Headset: Next-Level Audio for Windows 11 Devices

The Xbox Wireless Headset was designed to put players right in the action with clear sound, easy controls, and smooth integration with their Xbox console. As Xbox gaming expands to Windows 11 PCs and handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, Xbox is bringing that same premium experience everywhere players choose to play.

Today, Xbox is excited to share a new firmware update for the latest Xbox Wireless Headset that adds Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio support. This update, built in partnership with Windows, brings top-tier audio performance to the latest Windows devices.

Bluetooth LE Audio goes beyond saving battery life; it makes the audio experience better. With this update, players get:

• Lower latency: Enjoy high fidelity wireless audio with less latency than Bluetooth Classic audio, staying perfectly in sync with what is seen on-screen.
• Better battery life: Play longer between charges thanks to improved power efficiency.
• Super wideband stereo voice: Enjoy richer stereo sound, even while chatting with a squad.
• Broadcast audio: Shared audio (preview) on Windows 11 lets players share game audio across multiple compatible Bluetooth accessories.

Earlier this year, Xbox announced super wideband stereo audio on Windows 11, taking game chat to the next level. Here’s what that means for players:

• Immersive game audio: Hear soundtracks, effects, and dialogue with greater clarity and depth. Subtle environmental cues and spatial details are more noticeable than ever.
• Crystal-clear voice chat: Voices sound natural and sharp, making it ideal for team coordination.

How to experience the new features:

• Firmware update: Available now via the Xbox Accessories app on console or Windows 11 devices. Requires the latest Xbox Wireless Headset (launched October 2024).
• Bluetooth LE Audio: Requires a Windows 11 device that supports Bluetooth LE Audio.
• Super wideband stereo audio: Requires the latest updates to Windows 11, version 24H2 or later, and audio driver support from the PC manufacturer. Coming soon to ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X.
• Shared audio (preview): Currently available to Windows Insiders on select Windows 11 PCs.

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for December 15 to December 19 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for December 8 to December 12 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass for December 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for December 1 to December 5 2025

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NEW RELEASES: November 24 to November 28 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late November 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for November 17 to November 21 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for November 10 to November 14 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Early November 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for November 3 to November 7 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late October 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for October 20 to October 24 2025

PART 1

PART 2

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for October 13 to October 17 2025

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Xbox Game Pass: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Early October 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for October 6 to October 10 2025

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UPDATE: Xbox Game Pass Overhaul Comes with Higher Prices and Shuffled Plans

 

Xbox has restructured Game Pass into three tiers—Essential, Premium, and Ultimate—bringing expanded libraries, new perks, and higher costs. Ultimate, now $29.99/month, offers over 400 games including 75+ day-one releases, Ubisoft+ Classics, Fortnite Crew, and upgraded cloud streaming. Premium, still $14.99/month, expands to 200+ titles across console, PC, and cloud, adding hits like Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, and Minecraft, with Xbox-published games arriving within a year of launch. Essential remains $9.99/month with online multiplayer, cloud gaming, and a 50+ game library featuring popular titles like Stardew Valley and Hades. While players get more games and benefits, the shake-up comes with notable price increases.

Since its launch in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has been pitched as a way to deliver value and a vast library of games to players. Microsoft points to record engagement and creator participation, but with its latest overhaul, subscribers will now face higher prices alongside bigger catalogs.

The service has been restructured into three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each tier expands game libraries to include PC titles, cloud play, and in-game benefits, while also tying into a revamped Rewards with Xbox program. Current Core members will shift to Essential, Standard will move to Premium, and Ultimate users will remain on their existing plan.

Microsoft frames the change as offering more “flexibility, choice, and value” for players who want everything from day-one releases to hidden gems across console, PC, and cloud. However, the shift comes with a steeper cost, leaving some wondering whether the added perks justify the price increase.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got Its Biggest Upgrade Yet

The Ultimate tier has received its biggest update yet, targeting players who want the most comprehensive experience. Subscribers now gain access to over 75 day-one releases per year, including highly anticipated titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. These join a library of more than 400 games playable across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud, with over 45 new games added immediately. Hits like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong are also included, alongside exclusive perks such as EA Play access.

Microsoft is also bundling Fortnite Crew ($11.99/month value) starting November 18, giving Ultimate members the Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks monthly, and other perks, while Ubisoft+ Classics (~$15.98/month) brings access to a curated selection of Ubisoft titles like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.

Cloud gaming gets a notable boost, with Ultimate subscribers enjoying the highest streaming quality up to 1440p and shorter wait times, as Xbox Cloud Gaming officially exits beta. The “Stream your own game collection” feature is also expanding, allowing more seamless cross-device play.

On the rewards side, Ultimate members can earn up to $100 per year in Xbox Store credit. The upgraded Rewards with Xbox program also offers up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, 4x points on game and add-on purchases, 10% back on select library titles, and up to 20% off certain Game Pass games.

Xbox Game Pass Premium – More Games, More Flexibility

The Premium tier has been expanded to offer more games and greater flexibility for players who want a robust Xbox experience across console, PC, and cloud. Subscribers now gain access to over 200 titles, including major hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V, as well as fan favorites such as Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy. Premium also includes new Xbox-published games within a year of release (excluding Call of Duty).

Cloud gaming is upgraded, giving Premium members unlimited access, including select games they already own. In-game benefits have been added for top titles like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more.

Premium also boosts rewards, letting subscribers earn up to $50 per year in Xbox Store credit. With 2x points on purchases and 5% back on select library titles, Microsoft aims to make this tier appealing for both casual and dedicated players—all while keeping the price at $14.99/month.

Xbox Game Pass Essential: A Great Way to Get Started

The Essential tier offers a streamlined Xbox experience for players who want access to games across console, PC, and cloud without breaking the bank. The plan includes 50+ curated titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, all fully playable on PC.

Subscribers also get unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, and in-game perks for popular games such as League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2. Through the Rewards with Xbox program, members can earn up to $25 per year in store credit, plus points on game and add-on purchases—making it a simple, entry-level way to jump into Xbox gaming.

More Rewards with Game Pass

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SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox September Update Breakdown: Everything New Across PC, Console, and Mobile

The Xbox September Update is packed with features designed to make gaming more seamless and accessible. Players can now pre-order the new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, launching globally on October 16. Gaming Copilot (Beta), a personal AI-powered sidekick, is rolling out on PC and coming soon to mobile to provide in-game help and recommendations. The Xbox PC app introduces an improved “My Library,” letting players organize third-party apps and aggregate all their games across platforms in one place, alongside cloud-play history. Other updates include refreshed social widgets, a network quality indicator for smoother cloud play, smarter game save syncing, and a redesigned Rewards hub that works across devices.

Xbox Console Updates

Offer Wallet – Now Available on Web and Xbox Consoles

Xbox has launched Offer Wallet, a unified digital wallet system that allows players to discover, redeem, and manage promotional offers and credits across both web and console platforms. Integrated directly with the user’s Xbox profile and backed by Xbox Purchase’s secure infrastructure, the feature eliminates the need to manually enter 5×5 token codes. Offers can now be claimed and tracked through a single, streamlined interface.

Players will find a new “Offers and Credits” section within their profile, where promotional gift cards, game discounts, and limited-time deals are organized in one place. Microsoft plans to expand the program with ongoing updates, including trials, in-game rewards, and seasonal drops for more regions and users.

PC Gaming Updates

Game Bar – Social Widgets and Visual Updates

Xbox has completed a visual overhaul of its Social widgets, delivering a more unified and refined interface across both Compact and Desktop modes. Alongside the aesthetic improvements, controller navigation has been significantly enhanced, making it easier for players to chat, check activity, and interact with the overlay. The result is a smoother, more intuitive in-game experience that improves usability and elevates the overall feel of the Game Bar environment.

Network Quality Indicator Update

Xbox has introduced a new Network Quality Indicator (NQI) in its PC app, aimed at helping players diagnose and resolve common cloud gaming issues. The tool provides real-time feedback on network conditions, offering actionable insights to address audio and video disruptions often caused by connectivity problems.

Players can toggle the indicator via Settings under Cloud Gaming before launching a stream, or enable it mid-session through the Game Bar by pressing Win+G and navigating to the Xbox Cloud Gaming widget. With clearer diagnostics and easier access, NQI empowers users to optimize their streaming experience with minimal guesswork.

Smarter Game Save Syncing Starts Today

Xbox is enhancing its PC app with smarter game save syncing, aimed at resolving issues when progress fails to transfer between devices—especially in offline scenarios. If a save hasn’t synced from a previous session, players will now see a detailed progress bar, device name, timestamp, and contextual insights to clarify the sync status. The update also provides guidance on where the sync originated, how it's progressing, and what steps to take if it stalls. These improvements make it easier to recover unsynced progress and ensure a smoother transition between play sessions.

Gaming Copilot – Rolling Out on PC and Coming Soon to Mobile

Gaming Copilot (Beta) is expanding to Game Bar on Windows PC, with support for the Xbox mobile app expected next month. Designed to help players overcome in-game obstacles and spend more time enjoying gameplay, Gaming Copilot offers real-time assistance and personalized recommendations.

Based on early feedback from Xbox Insiders and mobile users, the feature now includes deeper in-game support, push-to-talk voice activation, and improved screen recognition. Whether players are stuck on a boss fight or searching for a new title, Gaming Copilot provides relevant insights when needed.

To access Gaming Copilot, users should install the Xbox PC app, press Windows + G, and launch it from Game Bar.

Seamlessly Access Your Gaming Library, Apps, and Play History in One Place

Xbox has introduced a streamlined My Library experience in its PC app, making it easier for players to access both third-party apps and games. Through the new My apps section, users can launch browsers, storefronts, and gaming utilities directly from the Xbox PC interface, eliminating the need to search across multiple platforms.

The My games section consolidates titles from Xbox, Game Pass, and other major PC storefronts into a single aggregated library. This unified view allows for quicker access and smoother game launches, reducing friction across platforms.

Available now on Windows 11 PCs and handhelds, the updated My Library supports a collective gaming experience. Players can also view their cloud-playable games and gameplay history across devices. On console, this appears as a Play history tile on the Home page, while PC users will find it in the Jump back in section and the Play history tab within My Library.

Rewards with Xbox

Revamped Rewards Hub – Level Up Your Rewards Experience on PC

Xbox has rolled out a major redesign of its Rewards hub on PC, delivering a smoother, more intuitive experience across all screen sizes—including handhelds. The refreshed interface makes it easier to track progress, redeem points, and explore new ways to earn, with adaptive visuals that scale seamlessly from desktops to portable devices.

A new Goal Card feature lets players set personalized targets and monitor their journey toward high-value rewards. Meanwhile, the updated Microsoft Rewards Level view provides clear insight into current status and upcoming milestones.

To explore the new hub, users can open the Xbox app on their Windows PC or handheld, navigate to their profile, and select “My Rewards.” From there, they can play games, claim points, set goals, and redeem their balance for gift cards, in-game items, sweepstakes entries, charitable donations, and more.

Redeem Rewards on the Xbox Mobile App

You can now redeem Rewards points directly on the Xbox mobile app. That means you can grab gift cards and put them toward game purchases – all without leaving the app. Simple, fast, and right where you’re already playing.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Xbox app
2. Tap your profile icon (top left)
3. Head to Rewards and tap “Get rewarded”
4. Tap Redeem on the item you want, confirm, and you’re done!
5. Simple, fast, and built for wherever you play.

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 29 to October 3 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 22 to September 26 2025

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Xbox Game Pass: Coming to Game Pass Core on October 1 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late September 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 15 to September 19 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 8 to September 12 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Early September 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for September 1 to September 5 2025

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SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox August 2025 Update Connects Your Play History, Adds Gaming Copilot, and Simplifies PC App Navigation

Xbox’s latest update introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience across devices. Players can now sync their gameplay more easily with cross-device play history, while cloud-enabled games will also appear in their history. A new My Apps tab in the Xbox PC app allows quick access to favorite games and apps from multiple storefronts. Additionally, Gaming Copilot (Beta) is available in Game Bar on Windows 11, providing tips and guidance to help players navigate challenges. Controller navigation in the Xbox PC app has also been improved, making it smoother and more intuitive. The update also brings enhancements for Xbox Play Anywhere, game streaming, and access to Retro Classics.

Cross-Device and Cloud-Playable Play History Now Rolling Out

Xbox is expanding its cross-device play history and cloud gaming features, making it easier for players to continue their games anywhere. Initially available to Xbox Insiders, the rollout will soon reach all users. Play history now syncs across consoles and the Xbox PC app, allowing gamers to pick up right where they left off, whether moving between rooms or joining a friend’s session. Cloud-enabled games, including original Xbox classics and Xbox Series X|S titles, now appear in your history, streamlining access whether you own the game or play via Game Pass. Players can access their recent games from the Play History tile on console or the Most Recent section and Play History tab in the Xbox PC app, providing multiple convenient ways to resume gameplay.

PC Gaming Updates

Bring Everything Together with My apps – Available to Xbox Insiders

Xbox is enhancing the PC gaming experience with the introduction of My Apps, a new tab in the Xbox PC app currently available to Insiders. This feature allows users to quickly access their most-used apps and game launchers, including browsers and utilities, all from a single location—eliminating the need to switch between multiple windows. Building on the aggregated gaming library, My Apps makes it easier to find, download, and launch games from various storefronts directly within the Xbox PC app. Whether on a Windows 11 PC or a portable device, this update streamlines setup, letting players spend more time gaming and less time navigating menus.

Gaming Copilot (Beta) on Game Bar – In Preview to Xbox Insiders

Xbox has introduced Gaming Copilot (Beta) in Game Bar for Windows 11, currently available to Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview. Designed as a personal gaming assistant, it provides guidance and tips to help players overcome challenges and stay focused on gameplay. Whether offering strategies for tough bosses or helping players jump into action more efficiently, Gaming Copilot adapts to your needs—assisting when required and remaining unobtrusive when not.

Controller Navigation in the Xbox PC App Just Got a Lot Smarter

The Xbox PC app has received updates to improve navigation across controller, keyboard, and touch inputs. Controller and keyboard users will find the interface more intuitive and console-like, with familiar button mappings—A to select, B to go back, and Y to search—along with smoother trigger and bumper actions, faster scrolling, and smarter focus memory between pages. Keyboard navigation has also been enhanced. Visually, the app feels cleaner and more polished, featuring clearer focus indicators and subtle, purposeful animations, creating a more responsive and user-friendly experience.

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GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late August 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for August 18 to August 22 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for August 11 to August 15 2025

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XBOX GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Early August 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for August 4 to August 8 2025

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SYSTEM UPDATE: Xbox Update Breaks Boundaries with PC Game Streaming

Xbox continues its mission to make gaming more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable—no matter where or how players choose to play. This month’s update introduces new features to the Xbox PC app that reflect that vision, offering more ways for players to stay connected to their games and progress.

These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to improve the Xbox experience on PC and extend the platform’s most loved features to more places. Whether streaming owned games, jumping back into cloud play, or tracking progress across devices, the update empowers players with greater control, flexibility, and freedom to play their way.

PC Gaming Updates

Stream your own games on PC

Earlier this year, Xbox introduced the ability for Game Pass Ultimate members to stream their owned games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and other browser-supported devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. That same level of flexibility is now coming to the Xbox PC app.

Starting today, Game Pass Ultimate members in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is available can stream from a selection of over 250 owned titles directly through the Xbox PC app. This includes recently added games like Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Mafia: Definitive Edition, The Callisto Protocol, and more—even those not included in the Game Pass catalog.

The new “Stream your own game” feature allows players to skip downloads, free up hard drive space, and enjoy greater access to their personal library, including console-only titles that were previously unavailable on PC.

Players can access this feature by visiting the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app, selecting a supported game they own from the “Stream your own game” list, and jumping into gameplay instantly.

Additionally, the update enhances cross-device play history and improves access to console cloud-playable games on PC.

In addition to being able to stream games you own on the Xbox PC app, we want to make playing Xbox games easier than ever across the Xbox platform. Xbox Insiders that are Game Pass Ultimate members have access to all cloud-playable games in their Xbox PC app library, including console-only games from the original Xbox through the Series X|S. Games that are either owned or available through Game Pass will all be in one place, so players can choose what and how they play. Also, Insiders can now preview their play history across devices, including on console and the Xbox PC app, displaying recently played games so players can pick up where they left off.

Explore these new capabilities on the Home page on console or on the Xbox PC app by going to “My Library” and jump back into gaming. Learn more details in the Xbox Insiders announcement post.

Rewards with Xbox – Get rewarded for playing games on the Xbox PC app

Tracking weekly point bonuses is now simpler with the addition of a new feature in the Xbox PC app. Players can now view their progress toward earning rewards directly within the app while they play.

This feature is currently rolling out in select markets for users aged 18 and older with a Microsoft account. Players should note that points must be claimed to be added to their Microsoft Rewards balance, and standard terms apply. To get started, users can open the Xbox PC app and visit the Rewards channel on the Home page to begin tracking progress and earning points.

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New Releases: New Xbox Games for July 28 to August 1 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for July 21 to July 25 2025

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NEWS: Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview Can Now Stream Owned Console Games via Xbox App on PC

Exciting news for PC gamers: Starting today, Xbox Insiders enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview and subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate can now stream select console games they own—beyond the Game Pass library—directly through the Xbox PC app in all 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is available.

Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced the "Stream your own game" feature to Game Pass Ultimate members across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, select smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and browser-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Now, that same convenience is coming to the Xbox PC app, enabling players to stream eligible owned titles without needing to download or install them—saving time, conserving storage, and enhancing accessibility through the cloud.

This update also unlocks console-only titles that were previously inaccessible on PC. By visiting the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox app, players can explore the “Stream your own game” catalog, select a supported game from their collection, and start playing instantly. With over 250 titles currently available—and more on the way, including console exclusives and Xbox Play Anywhere games—PC users now have greater flexibility and control over how and where they play.

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GAME PASS: Coming to Xbox Game Pass Late July 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for July 14 to July 18 2025

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NEW RELEASES: New Xbox Games for July 7 to July 11 2025

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