Microsoft has recently launched an upgraded version of the Xbox app for PC, bringing with it a number of changes and enhancements aimed at improving the user experience. One of the notable new features is Compact Mode, which is specifically tailored to cater to the growing popularity of portable gaming PCs.
Compact Mode allows for a collapsible side menu, giving users the ability to minimize it to display only the icons. This is particularly beneficial for devices with limited screen real estate.
However, enabling Compact Mode means sacrificing direct access to installed games through the sidebar, requiring users to access them through the My Library section instead. Additionally, the option to enable Compact Mode is somewhat hidden within the drop-down menu accessed by clicking on the profile icon in the top-left menu, rather than being readily available on the screen.
Microsoft has indicated that it is collaborating with manufacturers like ASUS to make the new compact mode the default setting on handheld devices such as the ROG Ally.
Other changes introduced in the app include updates to the notifications section, where users can now only view unread notifications rather than all of them. Additionally, a new game service repair tool has been implemented to address any issues with the game service or missing content when launching the Xbox app.
The updated Xbox app for PC is now available for download from the Microsoft Store and is compatible with both Windows 10 and 11.