Finding Your Game Pass Games: Two Methods Compared

Finding the games you want to play on Xbox Game Pass can be a breeze with the right approach. Let’s explore two methods, the ‘obvious’ way and the ‘better’ way, and see which one suits your needs best.

The ‘Obvious’ Way: The Home Screen Menu

The most readily available method is to navigate to the Xbox Game Pass section directly from your home screen. This curated menu will present you with a selection of games available with your Game Pass subscription. Depending on your plan, you’ll also find EA Play games and even Xbox Live Gold games integrated into this selection.

A nice feature here is the “Play Later” playlist. This handy tool allows you to add games you want to play later to a curated list, making it easy to jump back into your desired titles when you’re ready. Additionally, the “Day One Releases” section provides a central spot to easily discover and access newly released Game Pass titles.

The ‘Better’ Way: The Full Library

While the home screen menu is convenient, for a comprehensive view of all your available games, the “better” method involves accessing the full library. Here’s how:

1. Press the Xbox home button.
2. Navigate down to “My Games & Apps.”
3. Select “See all.”
4. Scroll all the way down to the “Full Library” section. Here, you will find a complete list of all Game Pass games, Games with Gold titles, and EA Play games.

By tapping on the “Full Library” section, you gain access to every Game Pass game available with your subscription. The library is organized and easily navigated, allowing you to quickly find the title you’re looking for.

Identifying Optimized Games

The full library also provides a helpful visual indicator for game optimization. Games marked with an “X” or “S” icon signify that they’ve been specifically optimized for the Xbox Series X or Series S respectively. These optimized games deliver enhanced graphics and faster performance, making the gaming experience much smoother.

This feature is particularly valuable for Game Pass users wanting to take full advantage of the Series X/S consoles’ capabilities. You can easily identify the games that offer the best visual and performance benefits on your specific console.

Exploring Games with Gold and EA Play

The “Full Library” also seamlessly integrates Games with Gold and EA Play games, making it a one-stop shop for all your subscription-based titles. You can effortlessly browse Games with Gold titles within the library and discover the latest EA Play additions.

This comprehensive approach simplifies the process of exploring your available games, saving you time and frustration compared to navigating individual sections for each subscription service.

Installing and Playing Your Games

Once you’ve found the game you want to play, it’s a simple matter of installing it. Tap on the game to be presented with two options: “Install Now” or “Play.” If you have streaming capabilities as part of your subscription, you can even “Play” the game directly from your console, eliminating the need for traditional downloads.

The ease of installation and accessibility of streaming further enhance the benefits of using the “Full Library” approach. You can seamlessly transition from browsing to playing within seconds, making it a more streamlined and efficient experience.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Approach for You

In conclusion, both the home screen menu and the full library offer ways to discover and play games on Xbox Game Pass. The home screen provides a curated selection and convenient features like a “Play Later” list and “Day One Releases” section. The full library, however, offers a comprehensive view of all your available games, including Games with Gold and EA Play titles, and visual indicators for optimized games.

Ultimately, the best method depends on your individual preferences. If you prefer a quick and focused selection, the home screen menu might be ideal. If you want access to the entire library and its features, exploring the full library is the way to go. Whichever method you choose, Xbox Game Pass makes discovering and enjoying your favorite games a simple and enjoyable experience.