The Xbox December 2025 Update is here, bringing a bevy of new features across a range of Xbox-related devices. One of the most notable additions in this most recent Xbox Update finally brings a long-requested feature to the Xbox mobile app, which has waned in popularity over the last few months.
Back in April of this year, Microsoft removed the Xbox mobile app’s Remote Play functionality, rendering it virtually useless for many users due to its severe lack of substantial features. But after today’s Xbox Update, users finally have a reason to reinstall the Xbox mobile app, with it delivering a simple but major feature that fans have been requesting for years.
The Xbox December 2025 Update Adds a Store Page to The Xbox App
Back in April – the same month that saw the removal of Remote Play from the Xbox mobile app – Microsoft added the ability for users to purchase games and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass via the app. This process was far from ideal, however, as users were only able to search for specific games or franchises. There was no way to see a broader list of games via the Xbox mobile app, such as a list of titles currently on sale.
As of December 16, 2025, the Xbox mobile app now features a dedicated Store page, which can be accessed directly from the tab at the bottom of the screen. While users can still search for specific games, the Store page presents a helpful assortment of categories such as “Game deals,” “Top paid games,” “Top free games,” and an Xbox Play Anywhere section. Users can now also search for game add-ons and add games to their Wishlist via the Xbox mobile app.
Everything Else Announced in The Xbox December 2025 Update
Xbox Wireless Headset Gets Bluetooth Low Energy Audio Support
Xbox also used its December 2025 Update to announce that the official Xbox Wireless Headset has been given a Bluetooth Low Energy Audio mode. Available on Xbox and Windows 11 devices, the Xbox Wireless Headset’s new Bluetooth LE mode has the following features:
- High fidelity audio with less latency than “Bluetooth Classic” audio
- Longer battery life
- Richer stereo sound
- Shared audio lets users share game audio across multiple Bluetooth devices (Only available in Xbox Preview)
To access these new features, those with the latest Xbox Wireless Headset (October 2024 model) need to download a firmware update via the Xbox Accessories app on an Xbox console or Windows 11 device.
Handheld Compatibility Program
Xbox has adopted a similar system to Steam Deck’s ‘Verified’ rating system called the Handheld Compatibility Program. Now visible on product detail pages across Windows devices, players can spot a set of symbols signifying a game’s compatibility on handheld devices. A green checkmark means the game is optimized and ready to play. An “i” means that minor adjustments to a game’s settings may need to be made. A stop sign denotes “Unsupported.” And a question mark means the game hasn’t been officially tested yet.
Coming Soon to Xbox Retro Classics
In May of this year, Xbox launched the Retro Classics program in collaboration with Antstream Arcade. Available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, these emulated games come from a variety of retro consoles, including the Atari 2600, the Amiga, the PlayStation, and the SNES. Xbox’s December 2025 Update confirmed four more games heading to Xbox’s Retro Classics collection:
- Codename: Iceman
- Plaque Attack
- Police Quest 2
- Space Shuttle
Fallout on Xbox
Bethesda’s Fallout also appeared during Xbox’s December 2025 Update. New Fallout Pip-Boy-themed wireless Xbox and Xbox Elite controllers were showcased once again, available exclusively via the Xbox Design Lab. A Fallout 76 dynamic background for Xbox Series X/S was also shown again.
Source: Xbox
