New Xbox app lets you download games before you buy them

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You can pre-load any game and access it later after you buy it

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The newly released Xbox app has a low-key but incredibly useful feature that lets you download games before you even buy them.

A ResetEra user spotted and tested the feature in a recent post. Simply put, you can use the Xbox app to download games ahead of time to save yourself some headache when it's finally time to play. That's nothing new in and of itself, but this option is now available for games you haven't purchased, though obviously you'll need to buy the game to access it on your Xbox. 

The other advantage here is the ability to pre-load without purchasing. Whether you're waiting for pay day, waiting for reviews to drop before committing to an early purchase, or just waiting for a random credit card or Xbox account error to be resolved, this feature will let you eliminate day-one download times without needing to buy anything first. This is probably more niche than the option to pre-load and then buy physically, but it also seems like one of those features you won't need until you really need it. 

All in all, the Xbox app is looking mighty useful – and it's out on Android right now.

Austin Wood
Austin Wood
Senior writer

Austin has been a game journalist for 12 years, having freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree. He's been with GamesRadar+ since 2019. They've yet to realize his position is a cover for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a lot of news and the occasional feature, all while playing as many roguelikes as possible.