• Game Bar Compact Mode launches for all PC players

• Additional game management options on PC

• Xbox mobile app getting new features, Game Pass app being discontinued

• Pre-download your Xbox updates

• Extra Wishlist notifications

1. The Xbox September 2024 update introduces the new Game Bar Compact Mode for all PC players. Originally available to Xbox Insiders, this mode is optimized for smaller screens and handheld Windows devices. It streamlines access to recently played games, common game launchers, and essential gaming utilities, making navigation easier. Compact Mode is also designed for controller use, allowing users to quickly switch between widgets using the LB/RB buttons. You can enable this feature by toggling it in the Game Bar settings.

Additionally, the update improves game management in the Xbox app on PC by allowing users to view and install all add-ons during game installation. Users can now manage add-ons in one place through a new “Manage” section.

For console users, the update introduces a pre-download feature for game updates, enabling you to install updates ahead of time and start playing as soon as they go live. Wish list notifications have also been enhanced to alert users when a game on their list joins Game Pass or Free Play Days.

Future updates will bring more improvements, such as virtual keyboard navigation support for the Game Bar.

2. The Xbox September 2024 update introduces several additional game management options for PC users via the Xbox app:

• View and Install Add-ons: Players can now see and install all add-ons related to a game during the installation process. This feature simplifies managing downloadable content (DLC) or other related content without requiring navigation through different sections of the app.

• Consolidated Game Management: The update adds a new section where players can manage all installed game content in one place. By right-clicking on a game and selecting “Manage,” users can view all available add-ons, expansions, and other content tied to the game through a simplified interface.

These enhancements are designed to streamline game management and reduce the time needed to configure games and their additional content, offering a more efficient experience for PC gamers.

3. As part of the September 2024 Xbox update, several new features are coming to the Xbox mobile app, while the standalone Game Pass app will be discontinued.

Key Changes:

• Consolidation of Features: The Game Pass app is being phased out, with its features integrated into the main Xbox mobile app. This includes exploring the Game Pass library, managing memberships, and claiming perks for Game Pass Ultimate members.

• Streamlined Mobile Experience: Users will now be able to browse the entire Game Pass catalog, receive alerts for new Game Pass titles, and stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming using the Xbox app. The updated Xbox app is expected to offer a more unified and efficient experience for both console and PC players, simplifying access to the core Xbox ecosystem from mobile devices.

• Phasing Out the Game Pass App: Microsoft will stop supporting new downloads of the Game Pass app starting in November 2024, with its functionality fully absorbed into the updated Xbox app.

4. With the September 2024 Xbox update, Microsoft introduced the ability to pre-download game updates for Xbox consoles. This feature allows you to download game updates ahead of their official release, so when the update goes live, it installs instantly, minimizing wait times.

How to use this feature:

• Go to My Games & Apps > Manage > Updates on your Xbox console.

• You’ll be able to see any available pre-downloads for supported games, such as Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Cassette Beasts, with more titles expected to support it in the future.

This feature is designed to streamline the gaming experience, especially for games with large updates, making it easier to jump back into the action as soon as the update becomes available.

5. The Xbox September 2024 update also enhances Wish List notifications, providing players with additional alerts for games and content they are tracking, including:

• Game Launch Notifications: You will be notified when a game on your wishlist is officially released.

• Game Pass Additions: When a wish-listed game is added to Xbox Game Pass, you’ll receive a notification.

• Free Play Days: If a game on your wishlist becomes available during Free Play Days, you’ll get an alert.

• Add-on Notifications: You’ll also be notified when add-ons for a wish-listed game become available.

These notifications are customizable, and you can manage them in the Wish List settings on your console. This improvement helps users stay updated on their most anticipated games and content.