After a months-long wait, Xbox is letting beta testers buy games, DLC, and more from its app on Android and iOS.
Microsoft is shaking things up for Xbox users with a major update to its mobile app—giving gamers more power in their hands, quite literally. Soon, you’ll be able to purchase games, download DLC, and even sign up for Xbox Game Pass directly from your mobile device. But as with all good things, there’s a catch. The convenience comes at the cost of one beloved feature: remote play.
Game Purchases on the Go? Finally.
After years of user requests, Microsoft is finally delivering what many consider a long-overdue upgrade to the Xbox mobile app: the ability to purchase games and downloadable content (DLC) on the go. Whether you’re eyeing the latest AAA title or grabbing an expansion pack before heading home, you’ll soon be able to complete your transaction from your smartphone. Pre-orders, pre-installation, and Game Pass Ultimate perk redemption are also being integrated into this revamped mobile experience.
Beta testing for the new features has already begun on both iOS and Android, and Xbox promises a broader rollout to all users “soon.”
A Change in Strategy
The shift marks a significant reversal in Xbox’s mobile app strategy. Historically, Xbox removed the ability to buy games from the app and leaned heavily into features like remote play and console management. Now, the pendulum has swung in the other direction, with Xbox prioritizing direct purchases—likely influenced by changes in the mobile app marketplace.
This move comes on the heels of a pivotal legal decision. Back in October, just days after a U.S. court ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores on Android, Xbox president Sarah Bond revealed Microsoft’s intentions to let players not only purchase but also play games via the mobile app. While the latter feature hasn’t materialized yet, Bond cited a “temporary administrative stay” as the reason behind the delay.
Remote Play Takes a Backseat
With the app’s purchasing functionality taking center stage, Xbox is quietly sunsetting remote play within the mobile app. While this may disappoint players who enjoyed streaming their console games on mobile, Xbox assures users that remote play isn’t going away entirely—it’s just moving.
Gamers can still stream their Xbox consoles using mobile web browsers and compatible third-party platforms. Microsoft is also expanding remote play capabilities to other devices, including supported Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV sticks, and even Meta Quest VR headsets, ensuring the feature lives on in a different form.
Game Streaming Gets Smarter
This update isn’t just about purchases—it’s part of a broader vision Xbox is pursuing to make gaming more seamless and accessible. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will soon be able to stream select games they already own directly from their Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One consoles. This means you’ll no longer need to wait for downloads to complete—just boot up and play.
Xbox is also growing its “Stream Your Own Game” library with fresh additions like Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Subnautica 2, giving players more flexibility in how and where they play.
Smarter Game Hubs, More Player Insights
Xbox is also rolling out an upgraded Game Hub feature designed to give players a central place for everything related to a specific title. The hub will provide a curated feed of relevant information, including:
- Player stats
- Achievements
- Friends currently playing
- In-game events
- Available add-ons and content packs
This makes it easier than ever to stay connected, strategize with friends, or just track your in-game progress.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag with Promising Perks
While the removal of remote play from the Xbox mobile app might ruffle some feathers, the trade-off is a mobile experience that’s faster, more intuitive, and closer to what players have come to expect in 2025. The ability to buy games, redeem perks, and manage pre-orders on the go is a welcome enhancement—especially for Game Pass subscribers and digital-first players.
Microsoft appears to be doubling down on flexibility, creating a multi-device ecosystem that allows gamers to stay plugged into the Xbox universe—whether they’re at home, on the couch, or on the move.
The question now is: will Xbox users embrace the new direction, or will the loss of remote play prove too big a sacrifice? Only time (and playtime) will tell.
