October Xbox Update Now Available, Improvements and New Features on Console, PC and Rog Ally

Microsoft launches new tools and updates that strengthen its ecosystem.

More stories in the category Updates

• Xbox improves experience on ROG Xbox Ally: new games with ultra-fast loading thanks to Advanced Shader Delivery
• New free Steam game until November 1, don’t miss it
• December with Xbox Game Pass

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October closes with an important update for Xbox players. Microsoft has announced the deployment of new features that cover consoles, PC, and portable devices, reinforcing its strategy to offer an even better, connected, and accessible experience from anywhere.

Among the main novelties, the arrival of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X stands out, the new Handheld Compatibility Program for games optimized on portable devices, and improvements in the performance of the Xbox app for PC. Additionally, the update includes changes in the Game Hubs on consoles, new dynamic backgrounds, and a special nod to The Outer Worlds 2, with customizable controllers available in Xbox Design Lab.

ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X: Portable Gaming with Xbox DNA

The new ROG Xbox Ally are now available worldwide, and as explained by Dean Shimabukuro, responsible for marketing of Xbox Services:

We want players to be able to enjoy their Xbox Game Pass library wherever and whenever they want, with the same performance and flexibility as on a console or PC. ROG Xbox Ally represents just that: the Xbox experience, but in the palm of your hand.

These portable consoles have arrived in two versions: the standard model, focused on users who seek power and comfort, and the Ally X model, designed for those who want to squeeze the most out of the most demanding titles. Both integrate direct access to the new Gaming Copilot, the AI-based assistant that helps with recommendations, tricks, and system diagnostics.

Model	Focus	Battery	Capacity	Highlight Features
ROG Xbox Ally	Balanced Performance	50 Wh	512 GB	Lightweight design, ideal for short sessions or maximum portability
ROG Xbox Ally X	High Performance	80 Wh	1 TB	Larger battery, improved cooling, and better grip for long sessions

Both models are compatible with Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, Steam, and other platforms, reinforcing Microsoft’s vision that “playing on Xbox” is no longer limited to a console, but to an entire interconnected ecosystem.

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Handheld Compatibility Program: Knowing Which Games Work Best on Portable Devices

One of the most interesting novelties is the Handheld Compatibility Program, an initiative that allows identifying at a glance which games are optimized for portable devices. This badge already appears in the game’s file within the Xbox app for Windows and on the main screen of compatible devices.

If a game does not have this optimization, a warning will be displayed before downloading, indicating possible performance or control limitations. This way, players can know exactly what to expect before buying or installing a title.

This program adds to the Xbox smart tag system, which already highlighted features like Smart Delivery, Play Anywhere, Cross Save, or Controller and Keyboard Compatibility.

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Improvements in the Xbox App for PC: Faster Downloads and Intelligent Bandwidth Management

The second major block of this update is focused on PC. Microsoft has renewed its download system within the Xbox app for Windows, achieving more stable speeds and better use of the connection, especially on high-speed networks.

We’ve improved the download tools to optimize bandwidth usage and reduce wait times. This means you can start playing sooner, without interruptions or performance drops.

Players will also notice a more agile app in update management, as well as less impact in the background while running large downloads.

Summary of Improvements in Xbox for PC

Improved Feature	Description
Download Speed	General increase of up to 25% on stable networks
Bandwidth Management	More efficient use, avoiding saturation in other processes
Overall Stability	Fewer pause errors or blocked queues
Multi-Tasking Performance	Better balance between downloads and active gameplay

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Xbox Consoles: Updated Game Hubs, New Backgrounds, and Customizable Controllers

On consoles, the Game Hubs — the space where each player consults information about their titles — receive two additional modules:

• Official news from the developer clubs, with updates and communications.

• Benefits associated with Xbox Game Pass, such as rewards or extra content available to members.

These changes aim to allow players to discover news without leaving the game or wasting time searching in external menus.

Additionally, the update incorporates new dynamic backgrounds inspired by Battlefield 6, The Outer Worlds 2, The Elder Scrolls Online, and Keeper, available on Xbox Series. And if that’s not enough, the Xbox Design Lab adds new customizable controller designs with The Outer Worlds 2 themes, ideal for collectors or Obsidian fans.

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An Update that Prepares the Ground for the Future

With all these novelties, Microsoft reinforces its commitment to a unified ecosystem. The company continues to integrate new features based on player feedback, especially from those using Game Pass Ultimate to combine console, PC, and cloud gaming.

Everything points to the fact that November will bring new minor updates focused on stability and performance, but the big expansion of the year (according to internal sources) is expected in December, along with the next Xbox Game Pass Premium program novelties.