The new Xbox app is available in beta, and you can download it now on Windows 10. The new app is technically a Progressive Web App (PWA), and it’s being designed to provide social connection and storefront to download games using the new Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription.
Although an Xbox app has been available for a long time, Microsoft has changed its name to the Xbox Console Companion to differentiate the purpose of the app, which will continue to exist.
The app is modern, clean, and simple, it features three sections, including Game Pass, Social, and Store. On the left pane, as you install new games from the store, they’ll appear on the left pane.
In the Game Pass section, you can browse and download games available using the Game Pass for PC subscription. As you come to expect, selecting a title will allow you to learn more about the game, including with trailers, screenshots, and system requirements, and of course, you’ll get the option to install the game, which you can then launch from the app. (You can also launch the game directly from the Start menu.)
In the Social section, you’ll be able to see your friend list and access to chats.
In the Store section is similar to the Game Pass section, but this is the place to find and purchase any game (modern and classic Win32) from the Microsoft Store to play on you PC.
If the game that you want isn’t part of the subscription, you’ll see a buy button, instead of an install option.
You can download the Xbox app now, even though, it’s still beta. You can use it without a subscription, but you’ll need to pay for every game.
The Xbox Game Pass for PC subscription cost $9.99 per month, but during the beta period, you’ll only pay $4.99 per month. If you decide to use the subscription, you’ll get access to over one hundred games with more titles coming over time, members-only discounts, and immediate access to Xbox Game Studios titles the same day as release.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].