January Xbox Update Brings Arm PC Support and New Features

by Greg Martin

Microsoft has outlined a wide range of updates rolling out across the Xbox ecosystem in January, with changes aimed at expanding device support, improving cross-platform play, and giving players clearer insight into their game progress. The update touches PC, handheld devices, smart televisions, and cloud gaming, reflecting Xbox’s continued push toward flexibility in how and where games are played.

One of the most significant additions is expanded support for the Xbox PC app on ARM-based Windows 11 devices. Players using compatible ARM-powered laptops and PCs can now download and play titles locally from the Xbox PC app catalog, including games available through an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. This brings the full Xbox PC app experience to a new class of hardware while maintaining feature parity with existing Windows systems.

Another highly requested feature arriving this month is the Game Save Sync Indicator, which is now live across PC and supported handheld experiences. The indicator provides real-time feedback on the status of cloud saves, allowing players to clearly see when their progress has been synced. The goal is to reduce uncertainty when switching between devices and to help prevent lost progress during transitions between PC, handheld, or other supported platforms.

Xbox is also expanding its cloud gaming footprint beyond traditional devices. Following an announcement made at CES, Microsoft confirmed that the Xbox app will arrive on select Hisense and V homeOS-powered smart televisions in 2026. Through this partnership, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to stream games directly on supported TVs using Xbox Cloud Gaming, removing the need for a console or PC to access hundreds of titles.

Several ecosystem programs are also receiving updates. The Handheld Compatibility Program has added more games and now clearly labels titles based on their suitability for handheld play. These designations are visible on product detail pages across Windows devices and within a dedicated handheld-compatible channel on supported handheld systems. Recent additions include titles such as Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition, Silent Hill 2, The Outer Worlds 2, and Dave the Diver, among others.

Xbox Play Anywhere continues to grow as well, now supporting more than 1000 games. Titles added in December allow players to purchase once and access the same game across console, PC, and supported handhelds, with saves, add ons, and achievements carrying over automatically. Recent additions include Octopath Traveler 0, The Finals, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, and a wide range of smaller releases spanning multiple genres.

The Stream your own game feature within Xbox Cloud Gaming has also expanded. Subscribers on supported plans can now stream from a personal library of more than 1000 owned games across compatible devices. Recent additions include Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Resident Evil Village, Farming Simulator 19, and Guilty Gear Strive, with more titles scheduled to arrive in the near future.

Xbox is also continuing its push into classic games through Retro Classics, a collaboration with Antstream Arcade available via Game Pass. The collection currently features over 100 retro titles, with additional games such as Sky Patrol, Keystone Kapers, Rise of the Dragon, and Laser Gates planned for upcoming updates. Players can also participate in weekly tournaments and community challenges tied to the service.

Finally, Xbox confirmed expanded mouse and keyboard support across select games and apps. More titles now support wired USB mouse and keyboard input, complementing existing touch control options available through cloud gaming. New additions this month include Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Pacific Drive, The Outer Worlds 2, and Routine.

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