Microsoft introduced earlier this week that it might start testing its new aggregated gaming library on the Xbox app for Home windows, and it’s now beginning to present up for testers right this moment. This new library expertise lists Steam, Battle.web, Ubisoft, Epic Video games Retailer, and Riot Video games titles which can be all put in on a PC from numerous different launchers — very similar to GOG Galaxy.
I’ve been attempting out the expertise right this moment and located that Microsoft mechanically detects put in video games and lists them in your library within the Xbox app, together with a related thumbnail or icon, and the title of the launcher the place the sport was put in from. Whereas the thumbnails might do with some work on this beta app, you’ll get an choice to play the sport or see it within the related launcher. You too can conceal video games from these completely different PC shops for those who don’t wish to see them listed within the Xbox app.
This integration merely lists the video games and also you gained’t get Xbox achievements or any further performance in these titles. The consolidated library is a part of Microsoft’s effort to make the Xbox app on Home windows the home of PC gaming, and to enhance the hand held expertise of Home windows.
Talking of Microsoft’s work to enhance the Home windows handheld expertise, I’ve had a number of folks tip me this week that the “Xbox full-screen expertise” settings have randomly appeared on their present ROG Ally gadgets. Whereas the settings have appeared, the expertise isn’t dwell but and nothing occurs for those who attempt to allow it.
Microsoft confirmed to The Verge earlier this month that present gadgets just like the ROG Ally will get this full-screen Xbox expertise at some point, and it seems to be like the corporate is already beginning to take a look at that on some gadgets. I’m assured it is a bug displaying the settings, as the brand new ROG Xbox Ally gadgets aren’t due till later this yr they usually’ll launch with this new expertise first.
If you happen to’re serious about testing the brand new consolidated library you don’t want to attend till later this yr. You simply must have the Xbox take a look at app put in, which is so simple as downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on PC, becoming a member of the PC gaming preview within the app, after which updating the Xbox app within the Microsoft Retailer.