Microsoft is testing a feature in the Xbox app for PC that gauges how a game will play on a given PC. It has the potential to take the confusion out of whether to even download a game or not.
The new feature is not available on all PCs. You will need to be a member of the Xbox Insider Hub on the PC and then download the Xbox app preview that membership makes available to users. You won’t need to download and install Windows Insider Preview of Windows 10/11 to test the new feature.
The new feature is very basic: there’s just a little note that the game you’re currently watching on the Xbox app “should play well on this PC”, not noting anything about the app’s recommended settings, playable frame rates, or d ‘other details. The feature is also not available on more than a handful of games, so don’t be surprised to see the “Performance check not yet available” message. However, Microsoft doesn’t drop system requirements for the game if you want additional context.
To access this new feature, download the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store. You’ll then need to install the app and manually enable “Windows Gaming” app previews, which include the Xbox app, Game Bar, and Microsoft Gaming Services app. Once you do, you should automatically receive the updated Game Bar app, which will implement this new performance option.
While this new feature will certainly help gamers decide whether to take the time (and bandwidth) to download a new game, keep in mind that PC gamers can now try out many PC games through the new option. Cloud Gaming available on Xbox Game. Ultimate Members Pass, both on PC and Xbox. Cloud gaming allows you to jump in and play the game through a remote server, helping you know whether to download the game in the first place. The difference, of course, is that cloud gaming also implements a bit of network lag as your keyboard and mouse inputs move up and down in the cloud. This is where Microsoft’s performance rating in the Xbox app will come in handy, letting you know if a game will provide a satisfying experience on your PC.
This story was originally reported by The Verge.
