Xbox Releases New Console Update for January 2026
Microsoft just released a new update on January 21, 2026, for its Xbox products, adding new functionality, improvements, and features for fans to check out. With the start of 2026, Xbox fans are hoping Microsoft has plenty of news to share regarding its Xbox ecosystem of products, in addition to the typical Game Pass releases each month. January 2026 is already off to an interesting start as Microsoft is planning some big reveals this week, as well as the latest update becoming available to download.
Kicking off on January 22, Microsoft is hosting its latest Xbox Developer Direct Livestream event, kicking off the brand’s 25th Anniversary. Fans can look forward to seeing news and details on many upcoming games, including Fable and Forza Horizon 6, while Game Freak is also going to showcase more from its upcoming Beast of Reincarnation. Previous Developer Directs have typically showcased more secret games not previously announced ahead of time, so many fans are anticipating something similar here. For now though, Microsoft has released its latest update for its Xbox ecosystem.
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Xbox January 21, 2026 Update Details
Interestingly enough, the Xbox Update isn’t very console focused, with new features, games, and improvements coming to the variety of features available under the whole Xbox umbrella, such as the ROG Xbox Ally handheld, Cloud Gaming, and the PC App to name a few.
Here are all the details for the January 21 update for Xbox:
Xbox PC App Expands Support
With this update, the Xbox PC app experience now supports Arm-based Windows 11 PC systems. These systems are built on Advanced RISC Machine architecture, making them very energy efficient and previously utilized in mobile devices until its expansion to PC hardware. According to Microsoft, roughly 85% of the Xbox Game Pass catalog is now compatible with these PCs and support will continue to grow over time. For any titles that aren’t supported, Microsoft recommends using Xbox Cloud Gaming for the time being.
Game Save Sync Indicator
A highly requested feature from the community is also being added to game pages. Players can now see real-time visibility into cloud save sync status using a new indicator, showing a date and timestamp of when the last sync was made.
Xbox Cloud Gaming Coming to More Smart TVs
Originally teased at CES in 2025, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox app is being added to specific Hisense and V homeOS-powered Smart TVs in 2026. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to open the app directly through compatible TVs to access and stream hundreds of games.
Unfortunately, Microsoft didn’t provide a list of compatible TVs, indicating that the company would share more details on the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience in the coming months.
Handheld Compatibility Program Updates
New games have been updated to be better optimized for handheld play, similar to what Valve does for compatible Steam Deck games. Product detail pages will identify which games are “Mostly Compatible” and “Handheld Optimized.”
These games were recently added to the program:
- Arc Raiders (Mostly Compatible)
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Handheld Optimized)
- Dave the Diver (Handheld Optimized)
- Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (Handheld Optimized)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Mostly Compatible)
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion (Handheld Optimized)
- Octopath Traveler 0 (Mostly Compatible)
- The Outer Worlds 2 (Handheld Optimized)
- Red Dead Redemption (Mostly Compatible)
- Silent Hill 2 (Handheld Optimized)
Xbox Play Anywhere Additions
Xbox’s Play Anywhere campaign allows players to essentially find their games across multiple supported devices like PC, console systems, and handhelds. Players can take their game progression, saves, DLC, and achievements with them, picking up and playing without having to start over.
In December, Xbox Play Anywhere added support for the games on this lengthy list.
- Abyss DX
- A Game About Digging A Hole
- Brok: Natal Tail, A New Christmas Special
- Brok: The Brawl Bar
- Buffet Boss
- Christmas Mutilator
- Coloring Book
- Cup Heroes
- Cyberpunk Hacker
- Detective – Rainy Night
- Dimensions: The Catalyst
- Dome Keeper
- Dunjungle
- Fast Food Master 2025
- The Finals
- Frogo Deluxe
- Jellycar Worlds
- The Legend of Princess Lyria
- Marvel Cosmic Invasion
- Montezuma’s Revenge – The 40th Anniversary Edition
- Octopath Traveler 0
- Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure – Ultimate Edition
- Pinball Jam
- Portal Balls
- Potions: A Curious Tale
- Puzzle Galaxy Xbox Edition
- Recipe of Love
- Rhythm Doctor
- Routine
- Slimeboo
- Snaky Snakes
- Space Elite Force II – Reloaded
- Stacky Dash
- SpotCat vs The Cheddar Mafia Back To Past
- Talisman: Digital 5th Edition
- Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Treasure Drop
- Uboat Attack
- Wylde Flowers
- Yakuza: Shadows of New York
Xbox Cloud Gaming Streaming Additions
For those who are interested in streaming their games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers have over 1000 games available for doing just that, with Microsoft continuing to add more and more over time. Here are the latest games, and a sneak peek of more, coming to the service.
Recently added:
- Don’t Starve Together: Console Edition
- Farming Simulator 19
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
- Guilty Gear -Strive-
- I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival
- Just Cause 3
- Little Nightmares III
- Mio: Memories in Orbit
- Planet Coaster: Console Edition
- Resident Evil Village
- …and many more!
Coming soon:
- Dead Island Definitive Edition
- Jurassic World Evolution
- Killing Floor 2
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor – Game of the Year Edition
- …and many more!
Retro Classic Games Coming Soon
In collaboration with Antstream Arcade, Xbox Game Pass is continuing to add retro games to the service. Microsoft touts that over 1 million players are already using the service, with weekly tournaments and community challenges happening all the time. Currently, the Retro Classic collection features over 100 games, with these four being added soon:
- Sky Patrol
- Keystone Kapers
- Laser Gates
- Rise of the Dragon
Mouse and Keyboard Support
The final piece of this update is the continued expansion of Xbox’s Mouse and Keyboard support. As Microsoft indicates, there are over 230 games with “touch controls available on cloud” and more continually being added. Here are the latest games to now support wired USB Mouse and Keyboard navigation:
- Kentum
- Easy Red 2
- Little Rocket Lab
- Bratz Rhythm & Style
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Pacific Drive
- Detechtive 2112
- Routine
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Silver Nornir