April Xbox Update: Purchase Games via Mobile App, Stream Directly from Console, and More Enhancements

This month’s lineup for gaming platforms is packed with a raft of updates that are sure to enhance your experience. You can expect easier purchasing from your mobile device, the ability to stream your favorite games directly from Xbox consoles, tips on freeing up storage space, and much more. Stick around to find out all the details.

### Buy Games, Join Game Pass, and Redeem Perks Directly from the Xbox App

We’re thrilled to bring you a feature that has been a top request from Xbox users—direct purchases from the Xbox app on your smartphone. Soon, you’ll be able to buy games, snag add-ons, join Game Pass, and even redeem perks all within the app. Get a jump start on new releases by pre-ordering titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, and get them pre-installed on your console right from your phone. The app makes it just as easy to buy games such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and MLB The Show 25, or to join Game Pass. If you’re an Ultimate member, you can redeem perks like the Sea of Thieves Seventh Serving Emote right there in the app.

Beta users on iOS and Android will see these changes rolling out soon, with general availability being just around the corner in the Google Play Store and Apple Store.

For those with saved payment details, the app is smoother than ever. Just find a game, hit the Buy button, and with just a couple of taps, it’s yours.

### Stream Your Own Game – Now on Xbox Consoles

As of today, Game Pass Ultimate members have the added perk of streaming games they already own alongside the Game Pass catalog directly on their Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. This broadening comes after November’s initial rollout, which included devices like Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV. Now, in addition to saving storage and time, you can dive right into your library without waiting for downloads. To get started, head to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games. You’ll see a cloud icon on the game page for those ready to stream. Want to streamline your search? Use filters to find what’s ready to play via cloud gaming. To kick off your session, simply select your game, and choose Play with Cloud Gaming. The Store app also lets you start streaming after purchases of eligible cloud games.

### Stream Your Own Game – Over 100+ Titles

The collection of titles you can stream with Xbox Cloud Gaming continues to expand. Game Pass Ultimate members have a rich library to choose from, including over 100 cloud-enabled games on any supported device. Here’s a taste of what’s recently been added:
– Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
– Kill It With Fire
– LEGO Marvel Superheroes
– Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2
– Monster Jam Showdown
– Squirrel with a Gun
– Subnautica 2
– Wanderstop

Exciting stuff on the horizon includes:
– Agatha Christie Murder on the Orient Express
– Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy
– Barton Lynch Pro Surfing
– Bratz Flaunt your fashion
… plus an impeccable lineup coming soon.

Want the full list? Check it out on officially supported devices and dive deeper into these updates at your leisure.

### Access Xbox Remote Play from More Devices

Remote play is getting a major boost—now you can jump into your Xbox games from any web-connected device by visiting xbox.com/remoteplay. While the Xbox app won’t directly support remote play on mobile, your browser stands ready. And that’s not all, this service is expanding support to more devices including Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices. With Xbox.com, you not only get seamless remote play but also an integrated platform for future enhancements and additions.

And a sweet bonus: Starting now, backward-compatible games from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 can be streamed via remote play across all supported devices.

### Free Up Space in My Games & Apps

Struggling with storage? We’ve got your back. Our latest update introduces smarter storage management on Xbox consoles. Now, alongside options for managing unused add-ons and shrinkable games, you’ll find handy suggestions for removing duplicate games and other content you no longer have access to. Give this handy feature a spin by going to My Games & Apps > Manage > Free up space.

### Game Hubs

Experience the newly arrived game hubs on Xbox consoles, packed with details like player stats, achievements, friend activity, recent captures, add-ons, events, and more. For select players, these appear whenever you select a game from your recent or installed games list. Designed for action, hubs have their default focus on the Play button, meaning a swift double-tap lets you jump right in. Prefer to go straight to the game? There’s a new setting to skip hubs for a direct launch via personalization settings or in My games & apps.

### Xbox Consoles – South of Midnight Dynamic Background

Celebrate South of Midnight with new dynamic backgrounds tailored for Xbox Series X|S. This brings a touch of personalization that resonates with the spirit of the freshest game arrival. For instructions on tweaking your console with dynamic backgrounds, head to the Xbox Support page.

### Help Shape the Future of Xbox

Keep an eye on Xbox Wire for future updates and the latest news. Whether you’re keen on suggesting features or ready to provide feedback, your voice matters and helps us improve the Xbox experience worldwide. Be part of the evolution, and gain early access by joining the Xbox Insider Program. Just download the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, or even on a Windows PC.

So here’s to happy gaming, everyone! Keep those controllers ready and spirits high.