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Dear players, this week brings a new wave of exciting news from Microsoft's gaming and app ecosystem! From expanded game lineups to upgraded app functionalities, there's plenty to look forward to. Let's dive into this week's highlights and explore the updates worth noting.
Xbox Mobile App Revamp: Major Functional Overhaul
On April 17, the Xbox mobile app received a major update. The new version introduces game and DLC purchasing features for test users on both iOS and Android platforms, allowing players to also subscribe to Xbox Game Pass directly within the app. However, the remote play feature has been removed.
It's worth noting that Xbox President Sarah Bond announced as early as October last year that players would eventually be able to purchase and play games within the app. However, the "in-app play" function was delayed due to a "temporary administrative pause," postponing the original November rollout. After the update, users with saved payment methods will now see a "Buy" button on game pages, as well as options to pre-order games, set up automatic console pre-installation, and redeem Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks. Although remote play has been removed from the app itself, players can still access it via mobile browser. Xbox also plans to expand this function to Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users now enjoy greater convenience, with support for direct streaming of owned games from Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles—no downloads required. Titles such as Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Subnautica 2 are also being added to the "stream owned games" catalog. A new "Game Hub" feature has also been launched, consolidating achievements, friend activity, related events, and available expansions in one place.
Xbox Game Pass April Lineup Announced, Spring Sale Underway
On April 16, Microsoft officially announced the new additions to the Xbox Game Pass lineup for April 2025. In addition to previously revealed titles like Borderlands 3 Ultimate Edition and South of Midnight, new entries such as SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake and Light No Fire: Expedition 33 have been added, offering a wide array of genres for subscribers to explore.
At the same time, the Xbox Spring Sale 2025 has also kicked off. According to updates on April 19, the sale began on April 18 and will run through April 30, covering over 1,000 titles—including blockbusters like Red Dead Redemption 2. Some games are discounted by up to 70%, with select titles even seeing 80–90% off. What's more, users on Reddit and other platforms have reported receiving random $5 or $10 gift cards (approximately RMB 73) from Microsoft, redeemable for games, DLCs, or other Microsoft Store content. These gift cards are sent directly to users' Xbox account inboxes, including long-inactive accounts. Microsoft has not yet provided clarification regarding the rules or regional restrictions for this gift card distribution.
Microsoft Confirms First-Party Game Support for Nintendo Switch 2
On April 17, news broke that Microsoft will deepen its partnership with Nintendo following the release of Switch 2. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, reaffirmed in an interview with Variety that Microsoft will continue to support the Switch platform. He stated that Microsoft hopes to support Switch 2 just as it supported the original Switch, as Nintendo is a key partner. Supporting the Nintendo ecosystem allows Microsoft to reach players beyond the PC and Xbox user base, expand its community, and attract more attention to its gaming content—an essential step for the company's long-term strategy.
Spencer has long been a vocal supporter of the Nintendo Switch 2. When its first trailer was released, he praised Nintendo's innovation and confirmed that Xbox games will be available on more platforms, including PlayStation, Steam, and Nintendo. When asked whether Switch 2's launch made him eager to announce plans for the next-gen Xbox console, Spencer said his stance remains unchanged. He emphasized the importance of building communities and player bases across the industry, and that Microsoft will move forward with its existing strategy, bringing games to more platforms—including the cloud, PC, and consoles.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Surges: Tens of Millions of Hours Played Monthly
On April 21, it was reported that cloud gaming is rapidly gaining traction and is expected to become the next major frontier in gaming. Analysts predict that Xbox is poised to dominate the space, potentially claiming a 40% market share. In a YouTube interview with iJustine, Phil Spencer stated that Xbox Cloud Gaming is growing at an astonishing pace, with players spending tens of millions of hours per month on the service. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed earlier this year that total accumulated playtime had already reached 140 million hours.
According to data shared during Microsoft's GDC presentation on YouTube, Xbox One was the most-used platform for cloud gaming in December 2024, accounting for 21.9% of usage. Smart TVs followed at 21.1%, PCs at 20.8%, Xbox Series X|S at 19.4%, and mobile devices at 6.7%, with smaller percentages spread across other platforms. Cloud gaming technology enables these platforms to directly stream Xbox Series X|S versions of games, which likely explains why Xbox One leads in service usage.
Miracle Games' Infinity Kingdom Featured on Microsoft Store
Infinity Kingdom, co-published by Miracle Games and YOOZOO Interactive, has recently shown strong performance and is currently featured on the Microsoft Store homepage. This fantasy war strategy mobile game is based on the theme of alchemy and takes place in the magical world of Norheim.
In the game, players assume the role of a Lord defending the land of Norheim. The continent is divided among three kingdoms: Ruslan, known for its fearless warriors; Ydvia, a mysterious and proud realm; and Vitas, a peaceful nation devoted to the laws of nature. Players can pledge allegiance to their preferred kingdom to maintain peace in the land. However, three years ago, the Dwarves launched a devastating war with their mechanical army, leading to the fall of many human cities. In this time of crisis, alchemists opened the gateway to the Ancients, summoning legendary spirits and heroes—such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and Wu Zetian—to aid players in defending Norheim.
The game offers rich gameplay diversity. Players can summon Immortals using alchemy and awaken seven elemental dragons. Pairing dragons with Immortals of the same element triggers elemental resonance and exclusive buffs. Players can further refine their tactics to build the perfect team, explore historical relics scattered across the world map for rewards, form alliances with global players, and experience cross-cultural camaraderie. A unique territorial system visually showcases players' conquest progress and kingdom expansion, delivering the thrill of world domination. Being featured on the Microsoft Store undoubtedly brings more attention to Infinity Kingdom, and interested players are encouraged to download the game and experience it firsthand.
That's a wrap for this week's gaming news! We hope you've gained a good overview of Microsoft's latest moves in gaming and the app store. Now, let's hear from you: What exciting experiences have you had in Infinity Kingdom? Was it the satisfaction of summoning powerful Immortals, or the adrenaline of fighting alongside allies? Also, among the new additions to Game Pass, which game are you most excited for? The joyful SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, or the fantastical Light No Fire: Expedition 33? Share your thoughts in the comments! For more exciting titles and the latest updates from Miracle Games, don't forget to follow the Miracle Games' X (@mguwp) & Facebook (@Miracle Games)—more surprises await!
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