Its utility and functionality do expand if you have either one, though. You can link your accounts from various storefronts like Steam, Epic, or GOG, and it will seamlessly integrate with all of them. If you don't own an Xbox console or have an account for it, the Xbox app can still serve as an intuitive and unified game launcher for you.

Its main draw lies in its seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass, though. You can even use it to serve as a secondary screen for some games and apps. It is the official companion program for the Xbox game console that provides you with access to various Xbox Live features and remote control capabilities on your PC. As the gaming landscape evolved so did the need for the whole home console concept to adapt to the changing times, and this is where the Xbox app comes in. It was marketed as an all-in-one home entertainment centerpiece, serving both as a way to play video games, as well as consume media with its support for CDs and DVDs.

Suffice it to say, the up-and-comer had the odds stacked against its favor when it entered the market. It was taking on established players in the space, such as Sony with its PlayStation 2 and the various home and handheld systems being offered by Nintendo. The Xbox game console was Microsoft's attempt at entering the competitive gaming industry back in 2001.

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