Overview
- A hands-on preview published Friday of the internal Garrison build shows big performance gains, with much faster loading of very large game libraries and store pages compared with the current app.
- The redesign merges store listings and game pages into a single interface so users no longer see separate store and game screens for the same title.
- The app now marks which games are installable locally and which are cloud-only through Xbox Cloud Gaming’s Bastion interface, reducing confusion about delivery methods.
- Garrison includes both mouse-and-keyboard and controller layouts, a Full-Screen Game Mode that suits Windows handhelds and TV‑connected PCs, and an option to make the app the default home when Windows 11’s Game Mode launches.
- Microsoft is keeping the build in early testing with planned Xbox Insider trials in the coming weeks or by the end of 2026 as it focuses on polishing performance before adding more features, a move that could improve Game Pass navigation and developer visibility on PC.