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Xbox Update Includes ROG Xbox Ally Availability, Handheld Compatibility, and PC Gaming Improvements

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Xbox has announced a series of updates and new features, including the introduction of the Handheld Compatibility Program, improvements to PC gaming, and the availability of the ROG Xbox Ally. The company has also expanded its Stream your own game collection and added new games to Retro Classics.

The Handheld Compatibility Program makes it easier for players to identify which games are optimized for handheld play. This information is now visible on product detail pages across all Windows devices and featured in the handheld compatible channel on Home on supported Windows handhelds. To support informed choices, a compatibility notification will appear before installation or purchase if a game is not currently Handheld Optimized.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Handheld Compatibility Program provides a clear indication of which games are optimized for handheld play, allowing players to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • The program is now visible on product detail pages across all Windows devices and featured in the handheld compatible channel on Home on supported Windows handhelds.
  • A compatibility notification will appear before installation or purchase if a game is not currently Handheld Optimized.
  • The ROG Xbox Ally, a advanced shader delivery system, is now available for supported titles on ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, preloading game shaders during download to improve game launch speed and reduce battery consumption.
  • The Xbox PC app has been updated to improve download speeds, reducing slowdowns and increasing download efficiency, particularly on high-speed networks.
  • The Game Hubs feature has been updated to include two new modules: the latest news from Official Clubs (where available) and Game Pass in-game benefits tied to the title.
  • Over 1,000 games now support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to play on PC, console, and supported handhelds at no extra cost.
  • The Stream your own game collection has grown to 1,000+ games for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members.
  • New games were added to the Xbox Play Anywhere collection in September, including Hollow Knight: Silksong, Silent Hill f, and many more.
  • The Retro Classics collection has been updated with over 100 new titles, including BattleTech: The Crescent Hawk's Inception and BattleTech: The Crescent Hawk's Revenge.
  • Xbox now supports the use of wired USB mice and keyboards for navigation in select games and apps, as well as across Xbox and Windows devices.
  • Xbox touch controls deliver a controller-free experience for hundreds of titles, including Dragon Takers and Narcissus Penguin's Road.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 games now support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to play on PC, console, and supported handhelds at no extra cost.
  • The Stream your own game collection has grown to 1,000+ games for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members.
  • 130+ games have mouse and keyboard support active on cloud, and 230+ games have touch controls available on cloud.
  • The Retro Classics collection has been updated with over 100 new titles.
  • Xbox now supports the use of wired USB mice and keyboards for navigation in select games and apps, as well as across Xbox and Windows devices.

Sources:

  • Xbox Wire: "Xbox Update Includes ROG Xbox Ally Availability, Handheld Compatibility, and PC Gaming Improvements"
  • Xbox Wire: "Handheld Compatibility Program Now Live on Xbox and Windows"
  • Xbox Wire: "ROG Xbox Ally: Advanced Shader Delivery for Fast and Smooth Gaming"
  • Xbox Wire: "New Xbox PC App Update Improves Download Speeds and Efficiency"
  • Xbox Wire: "Game Pass Update: New Game Hubs and Xbox Play Anywhere"
  • Xbox Wire: "Stream Your Own Game Collection: 1,000+ Games Now Available"
  • Xbox Wire: "Retro Classics: Over 100 New Titles Added"
  • Xbox Wire: "Xbox Touch Controls: A Controller-Free Experience for Hundreds of Games"
  • Xbox Wire: "Xbox Support for Wired USB Mice and Keyboards"
  • Xbox Wire: "Join the Xbox Insider Program to Help Shape the Future of Xbox"

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