Microsoft has released the March 2025 update for Xbox, introducing several new features and improvements across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud gaming. This update focuses on enhancing the gaming experience across multiple devices and platforms.
Cloud Gaming Gets a Seamless Game Switching Feature
The most significant addition in this update is a new feature for Xbox Cloud Gaming that allows players to switch between games more smoothly. Currently available only for Assassin’s Creed titles, this functionality lets users transition directly between cloud-enabled games without returning to the main menu.
How it works:
- Launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) on Xbox.com
- Access the in-game hub to view other available Assassin’s Creed titles
- Select a different game to switch to it instantly
This feature currently supports switching between Assassin’s Creed Origins, Valhalla, Odyssey, and Mirage. Microsoft plans to expand this capability to more cloud-enabled games in the future, potentially revolutionizing how players interact with their game libraries.
PC Game Bar Gets a Visual Overhaul
For PC gamers, the Xbox Game Bar has received a significant visual refresh. This update modernizes the look and feel of the overlay, making it more consistent with current Windows design language.
Key improvements include:
- Refreshed designs for the Home Bar and various widgets
- Updated Capture, Performance, and Resource widgets
- Improved Widget Store with better controller navigation
- Enhanced usability in Compact Mode, benefiting Windows handheld devices
These changes aim to make the Game Bar more intuitive and easier to use, especially for those gaming on smaller screens or with controllers.
Expanded In-Game Benefits for Free-to-Play Titles
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers now have access to additional in-game benefits for free-to-play games. This expansion includes:
- New cosmetic items, characters, and in-game currency for games like Heroes of the Storm and Naraka: Bladepoint
- Upcoming benefits for popular titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Enlisted
To access these perks:
- Open the Xbox app on PC
- Navigate to the Game Pass tab
- Click “More Benefits” to view all available in-game bonuses
This addition provides extra value for Game Pass subscribers and may encourage more players to try free-to-play titles.
Continued Focus on Cross-Platform Gaming
Microsoft’s March update reinforces their commitment to breaking down barriers between gaming platforms. The company has been expanding its Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which now supports over 1,000 games. This feature allows players to purchase a game once and play it across PC, Xbox consoles, and supported handheld devices with cross-save functionality.
The update also improves the “Stream Your Own Game” service, enabling Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to purchase and stream games beyond the Game Pass catalog on various devices, including PCs, mobile devices, and Smart TVs.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to make Xbox gaming more accessible and seamless across multiple devices. By improving cloud gaming capabilities, refreshing PC tools, and expanding benefits for subscribers, Xbox continues to evolve its ecosystem to meet the needs of modern gamers who increasingly switch between different platforms and play styles.