Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox PC app will debut later this year under the codename Garrison, offering a console‑style interface and sharp performance gains.
Unified Store & Cloud Experience
In a Windows Central hands‑on review, Jez Corden revealed the new interface merges store and game listings into a single view, demonstrated with the forthcoming title Valor Mortis.
The app supports mouse, keyboard and controller layouts, and can be set as the default home screen when launching Windows 11’s Game Mode, which automatically shifts to a controller‑friendly layout.
Desktop and Full‑Screen modes mirror Steam’s design, and players may set custom launch parameters for each game.
Performance improvements are substantial when scrolling through the library of thousands of Xbox titles, addressing a long‑standing bottleneck.
Critically, the updated app now clearly differentiates locally downloadable games from those that require Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Road to Full Release
Microsoft is still refining the experience and features before a broader rollout, with Xbox Insiders slated for the update by year‑end.
Under CEO Asha Sharma, recent updates have included a customizable Xbox startup screen, adding to the positive trajectory.
Insider Perks & Mythic Achievements
Xbox Insiders will retain access to the coveted Xbox Mythic achievement feature, complementing the app’s revamped design and performance.
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