Microsoft Preps Rebuilt Xbox PC App Codenamed Garrison
A journalist has seen an early version of Microsoft's rebuilt Xbox PC app, which merges store and game listings and can serve as the Windows 11 default home screen.
Microsoft is preparing to ship a rebuilt Xbox PC app interface codenamed Garrison, according to windowscentral.com. A journalist has obtained access to an early version of the redesigned app, which the company has not yet publicly announced.
The rebuilt app offers interface designs for both mouse and keyboard and controller navigation. It defaults to controller scaling, intended for devices such as the Xbox Ally, and can be set as the default home screen through Windows 11's Game Mode setting.
The new version is faster than the previous app, particularly when loading large game libraries, and merges the store listing and game listing into a single interface.
The hands-on look follows separate Microsoft gaming initiatives. Over the summer, Microsoft began testing a new Xbox Cloud Gaming interface codenamed Bastion. This week, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma noted her intention to elevate Microsoft's gaming offering on PC, and Microsoft announced a partnership with NVIDIA for its new RTX Spark Arm laptop line as well as Xbox XP, a program focused on player retention and community.
Quick answers
What is Garrison in the Xbox PC app?
Garrison is the codename for a rebuilt Xbox PC app interface that Microsoft is preparing to ship, according to windowscentral.com.
What is new in the rebuilt Xbox PC app?
It offers designs for mouse and keyboard and controller, defaults to controller scaling, is faster when loading large game libraries, and merges the store and game listings into one interface.
Can the new Xbox PC app be set as the Windows 11 default home screen?
Yes. It can be set as the default home screen through Windows 11's Game Mode setting.