Xbox App Update: Game Purchases Now Accessible on Android, But Remote Play Feature Terminated
In a noteworthy update to its mobile service, Xbox has declared that users can now buy games straight from the Android app — a highly anticipated feature that aligns the app with other prominent gaming platforms. However, this upgrade entails a significant drawback: Remote Play capabilities are being eliminated from the Android app, although they will remain available through the Xbox mobile web client.
What’s New in the Xbox Android App?
The April 2025 Xbox update brings a simplified game purchasing experience for Android users. With merely two taps, users can now acquire Xbox games, add-ons, and Game Pass subscriptions directly on their mobile devices. This update also allows for the redemption of Xbox Perks and the option to set purchased games to install automatically on their consoles remotely.
This update is initially being rolled out to beta testers on both Android and iOS platforms, with a wider launch anticipated for all users through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in the upcoming weeks.
Why This Matters
Up until this point, Xbox users couldn’t purchase games through the Android app, a restriction that contrasted with platforms like Steam, which have long enabled mobile purchases. This change was facilitated by a U.S. court ruling in late 2024, which barred Google from mandating developers to utilize Google Play Billing for in-app purchases. This decision opened avenues for Xbox to implement its own payment system, circumventing the fees typically imposed by Google for in-app payments.
Xbox President Sarah Bond shared her thoughts on the development, remarking, “The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the U.S. will allow more choice and flexibility.” This change in the legal landscape has allowed Xbox to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience on Android devices.
Remote Play Removed from Android App
While the capability to purchase games is a beneficial addition, the update also signifies a considerable loss: Remote Play is being taken out of the Android app. This feature enabled users to stream and play games from their Xbox console directly on their mobile devices.
Nonetheless, Xbox has confirmed that Remote Play will still be accessible through the mobile web client at xbox.com/remoteplay. This means users can still reach the feature via a mobile browser, although it won’t be as smoothly integrated as it was within the app.
Why Remove Remote Play?
Xbox has not offered a comprehensive rationale for the removal of Remote Play from the Android app. However, it’s likely a strategic choice to streamline the app’s functionalities and emphasize features that resonate with recent legal and platform changes. By transitioning Remote Play to the web, Xbox might also be evading certain restrictions or performance issues imposed by app store regulations.
What This Means for Users
– Game Purchases Simplified: Android users can now acquire Xbox games, add-ons, and Game Pass subscriptions directly from the app, with saved payment information allowing for purchases in just two taps.
– Remote Installation: Games bought via the app can be set to automatically install on a user’s Xbox console, facilitating a seamless shift from mobile browsing to home gaming.
– Remote Play Transitioned to Web: Although no longer available in the Android app, Remote Play continues to be accessible via the Xbox mobile web client, ensuring ongoing support for users dependent on this feature.
Looking Ahead
This update represents a pivotal moment for Xbox’s mobile strategy, mirroring broader industry transitions towards more open and adaptable app ecosystems. With legal impediments removed, Xbox can now provide a more durable mobile experience — albeit with some trade-offs.
As Xbox progresses in enhancing its app offerings, users can anticipate more improvements that emphasize convenience, accessibility, and integration across devices. For now, the ability to buy and remotely install games from your Android phone stands as a significant advantage — even if it comes with the loss of in-app Remote Play.
For further details and to access Remote Play via the web, visit xbox.com/remoteplay.
