Xbox has updated its game store and added a new sorting ability that can be used when browsing through its massive catalog. These new options should make it easier for gamers to find what they're looking for, what's currently popular with other gamers, and to find the best deals on Xbox.
Xbox is having something of a tumultuous period right now, with an upheaval in Xbox leadership and questions about the future of the console family. Some have expressed concern that Xbox consoles themselves could be sunsetted in favor of Xbox's streaming gaming services, but that has been countered by new CEO Asha Sharma, who has indicated that Xbox consoles will remain the focus of the company.
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Microsoft Store adds new sorting options
Xbox has quietly added some new options to sort through all the games it has available for sale that gamers can be happy with. One of the most popular is likely to be the discount sort option, which allows players to view discounted games, starting with those with the highest sales. While the best Xbox deals tend to get little fanfare, this sorting option will help ensure gamers don't miss out, especially on lesser-known titles or games with smaller discounts. Players can also sort games by their base price, from either low to high or high to low. Lastly, Xbox has added a new sorting option that lets users see what players' most wish-listed games are. This can help users discover popular and exciting games that other players like or look forward to.
User reception to these changes has been largely positive, with many Xbox users expressing how happy they are to finally be able to sort and filter Xbox games the way they've wanted. But players also take the opportunity to point out that the Microsoft Store still lacks some of the competition's options. For example, players have asked for a wishlist sorting feature like Steam has, while others have asked for the ability to filter out DLC when viewing the store, which is possible on PSN. The latter seems particularly plausible, as players typically wouldn't purchase DLC until they've decided to pick up the base game. Fans have pointed out that it's a particular problem when looking at games that are on sale, as DLC is often discounted alongside their matching games, which can lead to loads of DLC that are difficult to sift through. Unfortunately, the new sorting options do not solve this problem.
At this time, it is not clear whether further improvements will come to the Microsoft Store. However, Xbox has recently shared some information about its future and seems to be trying to reassure its players of its quality and continued existence. The new Xbox CEO recently stated that part of the goal going forward is a “return to Xbox,” which she notes starts with the hardware, and that there will be some announcements coming soon. Furthermore, Xbox's new CCO indicated that Xbox is committed to remaining a first-party publisher, focusing on developing games for Xbox. The latest steps to improve the store could be one of many efforts on Xbox's part to improve the player experience and the company's opinion.
That said, it's possible that gaming as a whole could experience a tumultuous future, and Xbox may not be able to avoid it. High demand for hardware from AI companies has led to component price increases and could pose a problem for future consoles. Nintendo has already said raising the price of the Switch 2 isn't out of the question due to potentially increased manufacturing costs, and Steam's new hardware has seemingly gone into limbo as Valve tries to navigate a fluctuating market and component costs. While a new Xbox sounds good on paper, time will tell if the Xbox can overcome these issues.
