Microsoft’s ‘My Apps’ tab brings other storefronts to handheld PCs

Microsoft has begun testing out multiple storefronts and applications from within the Xbox app, letting handheld PC players as well as those who own Windows 11 test out the ability to download games from other services.

The “My Apps” tab within the Xbox PC app allows gamers to load applications outside of the Xbox ecosystem, as defined by the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft didn’t announce any partners, but an example screenshot on Microsoft’s announcement shows Battle.net as well as the GOG Store and Microsoft Edge.

Over the past few months, Microsoft has begun testing new ways for gamers to have access beyond the Xbox and Game Pass ecosystems. In June, the company began testing an aggregated game library, where Xbox Insiders could launch games from Battle.net “and other leading storefronts” within the Xbox PC app. In July, Microsoft added the ability to stream over 250 games beyond the Game Pass library without the need for installing them.

This most recent announcement appears to tweak the aggregated library to allow users to download the storefront apps themselves, as well as a curated selection of apps.

“As an Insider, you will initially have access to a tailored selection of apps that you can view and download, and we will expand support to additional apps over time,” Microsoft said.

Like other announcements, Microsoft is customizing this new “My Apps” page to the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, which will begin shipping in October.

“My Apps enables players on an ROG Xbox Ally or other Windows 11 handhelds to more easily navigate between applications from the Xbox full screen experience, a new feature optimized specifically for handheld gaming,” Microsoft said. The company wants to minimize the background activity that can rob CPU cycles and frame rates from handheld games, which makes sense.