'Mercury' is the code name of a large Xbox Store update, coming soon

Mercury Xbox App
Mercury Xbox App (Image credit: Windows Central)

Recently an Xbox Insider Program update made an app called "Mercury" available to a few testers, with a splash screen that just reads as "Coming Soon. Please upgrade to access the latest and greatest."

I received a few messages about it, and thought I'd try and find out some more about what it is and what it does, since some had speculated that it might be something related to Project xCloud.

After doing some digging, it seems that this app is the codename of an upcoming Xbox Store redesign, rebuilt from the ground up on new architecture, designed for 4K TVs. This new store app is also destined for use on next-gen systems like the Xbox Series X, and long-rumored Xbox Lockhart, as well as current-gen Xbox One systems.

Source: Windows Central The Xbox (Beta) app on Windows 10 is far sexier than the current Microsoft Store app. (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

From what we've seen so far, the design of the "Mercury" store app is almost identical to what is available on Xbox One consoles today, with many of the changes appearing to be under the hood. It's possible that more features and design changes will occur as the app moves closer to public testing, especially given the "modernized" design language we see in apps like the Xbox (Beta) app and Xbox Game Bar on PC.

If you try to install Mercury from the Microsoft Store to your console right now, the download simply fails. But it probably won't be too long until testers in the Alpha and Alpha Skip Ahead rings are able to take a closer look at it.

Once we learn more info, we'll be sure to offer some updates here in the near future.

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Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!