Xbox just rolled out its April 2025 update, and it’s packed with quality-of-life upgrades across consoles, mobile, and cloud. From buying games directly in the Xbox app on your phone to streaming your own library from an Xbox console, this update brings new ways to play, manage storage, and access your games.
Whether you’re looking to pre-order from your couch, free up space without digging through every install, or stream your backlog without downloading, here’s what’s new this month across Xbox platforms.
Buy Games from the Xbox App on Mobile
One of the most requested features, after being delayed by legal proceedings, is finally here: you can now buy games directly through the Xbox mobile app. That means you can browse, pre-order, and even set games to pre-install on your console without ever leaving your phone.
This update also lets you:
- Join Game Pass from within the app
- Redeem Ultimate member perks, like the Sea of Thieves Seventh Serving Emote
- Purchase add-ons and full games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and MLB The Show 25
If you’ve got a payment method saved, you’ll see a Buy button on game detail pages—just two clicks and you’re set. The feature is rolling out to beta users on iOS and Android now, with a wider release on the Google Play Store and Apple Store coming soon.
Stream Games You Own—Directly from Console
Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream more than just the subscription catalog. Starting today, you can stream select games you already own right from your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One.
Here’s how it works:
- Head to My games & apps > Full library > Owned Games
- Look for the cloud icon on game pages to identify streamable titles
- Use filters like Ready to play > Cloud gaming to narrow it down
- Start playing instantly from the Store page after a purchase
This expands on the November 2024 update that brought console-free streaming to devices like Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Meta Quest headsets. Now, your own console can do the same—saving time, storage, and letting you get into your games faster.
According to Xbox, there are 100+ supported games in this collection so far, including new additions like LEGO Marvel Superheroes, Subnautica 2, and Squirrel with a Gun.
Xbox Remote Play Now Available on More Devices
Xbox Remote Play just got a wider reach. You can now play any game installed on your console using a web browser by visiting xbox.com/remoteplay. Whether you’re on a phone, tablet, PC, or another supported device, all you need is a browser to get started.
A few key changes to note:
- Remote Play is moving away from the Xbox mobile app, and into browser-based access instead
- Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Meta Quest headsets are getting added to the supported devices list soon
- And for the first time, original Xbox and Xbox 360 backward compatible games will also be playable via remote play across all devices
By combining Remote Play and Cloud Gaming at xbox.com, Xbox is streamlining the experience and expanding where and how you can play.
Smarter Storage Tools and New Game Hubs
The April update adds a smarter way to manage storage on all Xbox consoles. Head to My Games & Apps > Manage > Free up space, and you’ll now see more helpful suggestions—like duplicate installs, unused add-ons, and even games you no longer have access to.
This builds on existing cleanup tools and makes it easier to clear space without digging through every folder.
Also rolling out are new Game Hubs. These hubs pull together:
- Achievements
- Friends who are currently playing
- Add-ons, recent captures, events, and more
If you select a game from your Recently Played or Installed Games list, you may see a new hub layout. The focus stays on the Play button, so you can still launch fast with a double-tap.
Prefer skipping the hub? A new setting now lets you launch directly into the game instead.
Xbox Brings More Ways to Play
From cloud streaming on your console to buying games on your phone, the Xbox April 2025 update brings together a lot of small upgrades that add up to a smoother experience. Whether you’re managing your storage, jumping into Game Pass, or streaming your backlog, there’s something in this update for just about every kind of Xbox gamer.
Which new feature are you planning to try first? Let us know what you think of the April 2025 update—and what you’re hoping to see next.
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