Microsoft has rolled out the Xbox August 2025 update, introducing a range of new features that enhance cross-device gaming, navigation, and app accessibility. The update also expands Xbox Play Anywhere support, Cloud Gaming, and the Retro Classics library while offering early access to Gaming Copilot on Windows 11.
Cross-Device Play History for Seamless Gaming
One of the biggest highlights is the cross-device Play History feature, previously tested by Xbox Insiders. Now rolling out globally, this tool provides a unified list of games played across Xbox consoles, PC, and supported handheld devices.
Players can easily resume their favorite titles from different devices via:
- The “Play history” tile on the console Home screen
- The “Most Recent” section in the Xbox app on PC
- The Play history tab within My Library
This feature ensures a smooth transition between platforms, making it easier than ever to pick up where you left off.
Quick Access with My Apps
The new My Apps feature introduces customizable tiles for popular entertainment apps, including Apple Music, Apple TV, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. Players can pin these apps directly to their Home screen for faster access. Microsoft confirmed that more apps will be added over time.
Improved Xbox Controller Navigation
Controller navigation has been optimized for better usability:
- Smoother scrolling and improved focus memory
- Clearer button behavior (A to select, B to go back, Y to search)
- More reliable use of triggers and bumpers for navigating content groups
These tweaks aim to make browsing and controlling your Xbox more intuitive.
Other Key Updates
- Dynamic Backgrounds: New animated themes are now available for games like Gears of War: Reloaded, Grounded 2, Madden NFL 26, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Sea of Thieves: Season 14.
- Gaming Copilot (Beta): Available through Game Bar on Windows 11 for Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview.
- Xbox Play Anywhere: Now supporting 1,000+ games, including Another Crab’s Treasure, Grounded 2, Sea of Thieves, and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream from a catalog of 450+ owned games across supported devices.
- Retro Classics Expansion: Over 100 retro games are available, with new titles like BurgerTime Deluxe, F1 Manager 2024, and Metal Slug 4, plus weekly competitions and community challenges.
- New Input Support: Cloud Gaming now supports mouse, keyboard, and touch controls for games such as F1 Manager 2024, The First Descendant, and Grounded 2.
Final Thoughts
The August Xbox update is one of the most significant yet, bringing together cross-device continuity, easier navigation, expanded libraries, and a glimpse at Microsoft’s future AI-driven Gaming Copilot. With broader app support and new ways to play, Xbox continues to bridge the gap between console, PC, and cloud gaming.