Xbox Fixes An Inexplicably Weird Choice And Improves Game Updates

Microsoft has announced a series of changes and quality-of-life improvements to both Xbox’s UI and the Xbox app on mobile devices and PC. The update includes the ability to pre-load games and game updates on Xbox consoles via the mobile app, although Microsoft hasn’t yet announced a specific date when this feature will go live.

One feature has already gone live, however: Game Bar Compact Mode. Optimized for smaller screens, Game Bar Compact Modes allows users to more easily navigate the Xbox app on mobile or handheld Windows devices. It can also be used to rapidly exit a game that’s currently running.

“With Compact Mode enabled, access to widgets and navigation is simplified to ensure you can get to the content you want as easily as possible on smaller screens,” explained a recent Xbox blog post announcing the contents of the September update. “Compact Mode is also optimized to navigate with a controller, and you can quickly switch between widgets with left and right bumpers.”

On the “coming soon” list is another feature for PC users, which will allow them to more easily peruse and install DLC and other game add-ons.

“Now you can view and install all add-ons related to the game that you are installing, regardless of when you acquired them or if they were part of the same bundle,” Microsoft’s blog post says of the upcoming feature. “This helps you see all content related to the game you are installing at a glance, instead of having to navigate the app to see and install the different add-ons or content tied to the game you want to play.”

Xbox’s mobile app is also getting a facelift via an update that will allow users to manage their Game Pass subscription right from the app. In the past, Microsoft oddly separated Xbox Game Pass content into its own app rather than within the Xbox mobile app.

According to Microsoft, players can expect the mobile app’s update to begin rolling out this week–but only for Xbox beta members. Microsoft also announced that, due to the changes, new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app will no longer be supported as of November, suggesting non-beta members may gain access to the new and improved app around the same time.

“Starting this week, we’re streamlining the mobile app experience by moving features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app into the Xbox app,” the blog post explains. “These updates will be available for Xbox beta members on mobile and will be coming to everyone soon. As part of these changes, we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November. Key features–like the ability to explore Game Pass and manage your membership–will now be found in one place with the Xbox app on mobile.”

The new app will also allow users to browse the entire Game Pass catalogue, and Game Pass Ultimate members will be able to claim their perks through the app and even livestream “select games” via Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS or Android devices.

September’s update has a treat for console users, too: the ability to pre-download games and game updates so they’re ready to go as soon as a game launches or an update goes live. Like the PC app’s new Game Bar Compact Mode, this new feature is already live on Xbox consoles, and can be accessed by selecting “My Games & Apps,” then “Manage,” then “Updates,” which will take players to a page displaying all currently available pre-downloads.

“This [pre-download] feature is supported by some of your favorite games now, including Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, Cassette Beasts–and expect many more titles to support it soon,” the blog post reads.

But Xbox’s September update has one final treat for console users: notifications that are genuinely useful.

“With the new update, when a game on your wish list is released, enters the Game Pass library, or becomes available as part of a Free Play Day promotion, you will now receive console notifications.”

For users who–for whatever reason–don’t wish to be alerted to a chance to play wishlisted games for free, these notifications can be toggled off in the console’s user settings menu.

For more information on Xbox’s September update, check out the official Xbox blog, which also includes a page dedicated to details regarding the new Game Bar Compact Mode.