Xbox February Update Brings 1440p Streaming

The February Xbox Update introduces performance improvements, new features, and expanded game support across consoles, PC, handheld devices, and cloud gaming. Announced by Dean Shimabukuro, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Xbox Services Marketing, the update focuses on improving streaming quality, refining the Xbox PC app experience, and expanding compatibility programs and game libraries.

1440p Streaming Now Available on Xbox Consoles

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream games at up to 1440p resolution with higher bitrate streaming on supported consoles. The update is rolling out to Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S.

This enhancement improves visual clarity and responsiveness across supported titles and regions. The higher resolution streaming, previously available on the Xbox PC app and select devices, now strengthens the console-based cloud gaming experience.

With Xbox Cloud Gaming officially out of beta, Microsoft continues to optimize performance and broaden platform support, including compatible browsers, select Fire TV devices, LG TVs, and Samsung TVs.

Xbox PC App: New Controller Navigation Sounds

The February update also introduces optional controller navigation sounds within the Xbox PC app. These subtle audio cues activate during actions such as moving between menu items, selecting options, or navigating backward.

Players can manage these sounds under Settings > Audio, where they can enable or disable the feature and adjust volume levels. The addition aims to make controller-based navigation on Windows PCs more responsive and intuitive.

ROG Xbox Ally Updates and Performance Enhancements

Owners of the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X receive several updates in February.

Improved Removable Storage Formatting

Users can now format removable storage, including officially licensed microSD cards, directly within the Xbox app. This simplifies the process of installing and running games from external storage.

Advanced Shader Delivery Indicator

Supported titles now display a loading screen notice when graphic shaders have been pre-compiled. The Advanced Shader Delivery system preloads shaders during installation, which can reduce first-launch load times and improve initial gameplay smoothness.

Additional improvements based on community feedback are included in the latest patch notes.

Postgame Recaps for Xbox Insiders on PC

Postgame Recaps are now available to members of the Xbox Insider Program enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview via the Xbox PC app.

After select gaming sessions, players may see a summary highlighting:

• Newly unlocked achievements

• Recent captures

• Upcoming in-game events

• Feedback opportunities

Recaps appear periodically, such as after earning achievements or launching a title for the first time. Settings can be customized under Settings > App > Postgame.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Web Experience in Public Preview

Microsoft has also launched a refreshed browser-based experience for Xbox Cloud Gaming in Public Preview for Insiders. The redesigned interface features updated navigation and a revised visual layout.

As part of the preview phase, certain features may be limited or function differently. Microsoft plans to iterate on the design based on user feedback during the testing period.

Handheld Compatibility Program Expansion

The Handheld Compatibility Program helps players identify games optimized for handheld Windows devices. Compatibility labels now appear on product detail pages and within supported handheld home channels.

Recently added titles include:

• Cash Cleaner Simulator (Handheld Optimized)

• Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (Handheld Optimized)

• High on Life 2 (Handheld Optimized)

• Reanimal (Mostly Compatible)

• Starsand Island (Mostly Compatible)

This program supports improved transparency for players gaming on portable devices.

Xbox Play Anywhere: Over 1,000 Supported Games

The Xbox Play Anywhere program now supports more than 1,000 games. Players who purchase a compatible title can access it across console, PC, and supported handheld devices at no additional cost.

Progress, saves, add-ons, and achievements sync across platforms when users sign in with their Xbox account. Cloud gaming access for these titles requires an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

Recent additions include:

• Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

• MIO: Memories in Orbit

• Pathologic 3

• SimRail – The Railway Simulator

• Sudoku Champions

The growing library supports flexible play between devices.

Stream Your Own Game: 1,000+ Cloud-Playable Titles

The “Stream Your Own Game” feature continues to expand within Xbox Cloud Gaming. Eligible Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers can stream more than 1,000 owned titles on supported devices.

Recently added games include:

• Gears of War

• High on Life 2

• Mordhau

• Reanimal

Upcoming additions include:

• Ghostrunner 2

• SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake

• Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster

This feature provides additional flexibility for players who prefer streaming their purchased titles.

Retro Classics Collection Surpasses 100 Games

In partnership with Antstream Arcade, Xbox has expanded the Retro Classics collection available through Xbox Game Pass. The library now includes over 100 classic titles from Activision and Blizzard catalogs.

Recent additions include:

• Beyond Zork

• Return to Zork

• Seaquest

• Stampede

Subscribers can also participate in weekly tournaments and community challenges.

Expanded Mouse, Keyboard, and Touch Controls

Xbox continues expanding input flexibility across cloud and console platforms. More than 130 cloud-supported titles now offer mouse and keyboard functionality, while over 260 games feature touch controls for mobile play.

Recent mouse and keyboard additions include:

• Company of Heroes 3

• Hotel Barcelona

• Transport Fever 2

These updates support a broader range of play styles across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and cloud-enabled mobile devices.

Ongoing Development and Community Feedback

Microsoft encourages players to join the Xbox Insider Program to test upcoming features and provide feedback. The February Xbox Update reflects ongoing efforts to refine streaming performance, improve device compatibility, and expand the Xbox gaming ecosystem.

As Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimization programs continue to grow, the platform remains focused on cross-device accessibility and performance improvements for players worldwide.