Microsoft is overhauling the Xbox PC app to fix long-standing navigation bottlenecks and speed up library access for users with large game collections. The redesign, internally codenamed Garrison, targets the friction players experience when scrolling through hundreds of titles on Windows PCs and handhelds. This update matters because it consolidates fragmented interface elements into a single, faster-loading view, reducing the time spent searching for games you already own.
Redesigned Garrison update targets large game libraries and handhelds
The core change involves a complete visual and structural rewrite of the application. Microsoft is replacing the legacy interface with a polished, controller-friendly fullscreen mode that mimics the console experience more closely. This shift aims to make the app viable as a primary home screen for living room PCs and a comfortable companion for Windows handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally.
Performance gains are a central pillar of this release, particularly for users managing libraries with over 1,000 titles. The new architecture loads game lists significantly faster than the previous version, eliminating the lag that often plagued the older client. Store pages and detailed game information are now consolidated onto a single screen, which streamlines navigation and reduces the number of clicks required to access metadata.
The update also introduces clearer visual distinctions between games you can install locally and those that require Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming. This separation helps users quickly identify their options without confusion. Microsoft expects to roll out these changes to Xbox Insiders on PC in the coming weeks, allowing early adopters to test the new interface before a wider release.
Source: TweakTown
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