Xbox App Now Lets You Add Any PC Game Like Steam
The Xbox app on PC is evolving into a more comprehensive gaming hub, a significant move that aims to consolidate a user’s entire digital game library into a single, streamlined interface. This expansion, which allows for the addition of nearly any PC game, regardless of its original storefront, represents a direct challenge to platforms like Steam and signifies Microsoft’s ambition to centralize the PC gaming experience.
This new functionality allows users to add games and applications that are not directly distributed through the Microsoft Store or Xbox itself. Essentially, if a program has an executable file (.exe), it can now be integrated into the Xbox app’s library. This opens the door for games purchased on Steam, the Epic Games Store, GOG, and other platforms, as well as emulators and even productivity software, to be managed and launched from within the Xbox app.
Centralizing the PC Gaming Experience
Microsoft’s strategic objective with the Xbox app is to create a unified platform for PC gamers. By enabling the integration of third-party titles, the app is transforming from a dedicated storefront and Game Pass portal into a more universal launcher. This move acknowledges the fragmented nature of PC game distribution and seeks to alleviate the friction users experience when managing libraries across multiple digital storefronts.
The aggregated gaming library feature automatically detects and displays games installed from supported storefronts. These titles then appear in the “My Library” section and the “Most Recent” list, allowing for direct launching from the Xbox app. This consolidation aims to provide a more seamless and convenient way for users to access their entire PC game collection.
This feature is particularly beneficial for users with gaming handhelds, such as the ASUS ROG Ally. The controller-friendly interface of the Xbox app, especially when in full-screen mode, offers a more intuitive experience on these devices compared to navigating the standard Windows desktop.
Adding Non-Xbox Games: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for adding third-party games and applications to the Xbox app is designed to be straightforward. Users can initiate this by navigating to the “My Library” section within the Xbox app on their PC. There, a small “+” icon, typically located in the top right corner, serves as the entry point for adding new content.
Upon clicking the “+” icon, users are presented with a list of suggested applications that the Xbox app has identified on their system. If the desired game or application is not among these suggestions, there is an option to manually browse the computer’s file system to locate and select the executable file (.exe) of the program.
Once a game or application is added, it appears within the Xbox app’s library. This integration allows for direct launching of the software from the app’s interface. Furthermore, users have the ability to customize various aspects of the added entry, including renaming it, changing the associated artwork, and even configuring command-line arguments for advanced users.
Customization and Tweakability for Enhanced Control
Beyond simply launching games, the Xbox app now offers a degree of customization for these added third-party titles. Users can modify the display name of the game or application within their library, making it easier to identify and organize their collection. This personalization extends to the visual elements as well, with the option to change the artwork associated with the entry.
For more advanced users, the ability to add command-line arguments provides a powerful tool for fine-tuning how applications launch. This can be useful for applying specific settings, launching games in a particular mode, or even integrating with external tools or mods that require specific launch parameters.
This level of tweakability enhances the Xbox app’s utility as a central hub, allowing users to tailor their experience and ensure that their non-Xbox games are integrated in a way that best suits their individual needs and preferences. The flexibility offered by these customization options transforms the Xbox app from a simple launcher into a more personalized gaming dashboard.
The “My Apps” Shelf: Direct Access to Launchers
In conjunction with the aggregated gaming library, the Xbox app also introduces a “My Apps” page. This dedicated section serves as a quick-access point for launching other gaming storefronts and applications directly. Instead of needing to navigate to the desktop to open Steam, Epic Games Store, or Battle.net, users can now launch these launchers directly from the Xbox app.
This feature is particularly advantageous for users who frequently switch between different game launchers. It streamlines the process of accessing their entire digital ecosystem, reducing the time and steps required to start a game. The “My Apps” shelf consolidates these essential tools, further contributing to the Xbox app’s role as a unified gaming portal.
The inclusion of the “My Apps” shelf underscores Microsoft’s commitment to creating a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for PC gamers. By providing direct access to other launchers, the Xbox app not only aggregates game libraries but also simplifies the management of the platforms that house those libraries.
Comparing the Xbox App to Steam: A New Contender Emerges
Microsoft’s aggressive expansion of the Xbox app’s functionality is a clear attempt to challenge Steam’s long-standing dominance in the PC gaming market. While Steam has offered the ability to add non-Steam games for years, the Xbox app’s integration aims to provide a more cohesive experience within the broader Xbox ecosystem.
The Xbox app’s advantage lies in its integration with Microsoft’s wider gaming strategy, which includes Xbox Game Pass, cloud gaming, and cross-platform play. By consolidating games from various sources into one app, Microsoft hopes to become the primary gateway for PC gaming, potentially drawing users away from competing platforms.
However, Steam retains significant advantages, including a more mature feature set, a larger user base, and a more extensive library of games and community features. The success of the Xbox app in challenging Steam will depend on its continued development, user adoption, and its ability to offer compelling features that resonate with PC gamers.
Enhancements for Handheld Gaming PCs
The integration of third-party games and the “My Apps” shelf are particularly impactful for users of handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally. These devices often benefit from a streamlined, controller-friendly interface, and the Xbox app’s evolving design caters to this need.
By allowing users to launch all their games and even other storefronts from a single application, the Xbox app can significantly improve the usability of these handhelds. This reduces the need to constantly switch between different applications or navigate complex desktop interfaces, making the gaming experience more fluid and enjoyable.
The Xbox app’s potential to become a central hub for handheld PC gaming is a key aspect of its development. This focus on accessibility and ease of use on specialized hardware positions it as a strong contender for users seeking a more console-like experience on their portable gaming devices.
Future Potential and Microsoft’s Vision
Microsoft’s long-term vision for the Xbox app appears to be centered on making it the de facto core of PC gaming. This latest update is a significant step towards that goal, breaking down barriers between different storefronts and creating a more unified ecosystem.
The company aims to “tear down the barriers between PC gaming and Xbox,” suggesting a future where the Xbox app is not just a launcher but a comprehensive platform that integrates all aspects of a user’s gaming life. This includes not only PC games but also cloud gaming, Game Pass titles, and potentially even console-specific features.
As the Xbox app continues to evolve, its ability to challenge established platforms like Steam will hinge on its capacity to deliver a consistently smooth, feature-rich, and user-friendly experience that appeals to a broad spectrum of PC gamers. The current trajectory indicates a strong commitment from Microsoft to making the Xbox app a central pillar of its gaming strategy.
Community and Social Features Integration
While the primary focus of recent updates has been on library aggregation and third-party integration, the Xbox app has also continued to develop its social features. These elements are crucial for fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Features such as friends lists, party chat, and activity feeds are designed to keep players connected, regardless of the platform they are using. The ability to chat with friends, see what they are playing, and join their games directly from the app contributes to a more interconnected gaming environment.
These social tools, when combined with the new library management capabilities, aim to create a holistic platform where users can not only access their games but also share their experiences and connect with their gaming circle seamlessly.
Performance Considerations and Game Compatibility
While the Xbox app now serves as a universal launcher, it’s important to note that performance and compatibility for games launched through it will largely depend on the original game and its storefront. The Xbox app primarily acts as a shortcut or launcher, and does not inherently alter a game’s performance characteristics.
However, the app does offer features like the “Game Performance Fit Indicator,” which provides insights into how well a game might run on a user’s specific PC hardware. This helps users make informed decisions before downloading or launching titles, mitigating potential frustration with unplayable games.
Users should continue to adhere to general PC gaming best practices, such as keeping drivers updated and optimizing system settings, to ensure the best possible performance for all games, regardless of how they are launched.