The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Microsoft announced a Games menu in the Edge sidebar in 2022, giving users a way to open free-to-play casual and arcade games without leaving the browser. Its present availability is unclear: Microsoft says it is gradually retiring the sidebar app list, but its notice does not name Games or set a removal date. The Games menu is also different from Edge Game Assist, which opens over PC games through Xbox Game Bar.
What was the Microsoft Edge Games panel?
The Games panel was a menu in the Microsoft Edge sidebar, announced on September 1, 2022. Clicking the Games icon opened access to free-to-play casual and arcade titles—a quick diversion available from the browser. Microsoft’s announcement described the icon and menu, but did not specify a game count or detailed visual design. Microsoft Edge Blog’s announcement said, “Now, you can take a break and access the Games menu right from your sidebar.”
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At launch, Microsoft said the sidebar could be customized using its plus button and hidden with a button at the bottom. The announcement described availability for users in English markets with the latest Edge version at that time; those 2022 details do not establish present availability or current setup steps.
Is the Games menu still available?
Microsoft Support now says the Edge sidebar app list is being retired gradually, starting with Microsoft account users. New apps can no longer be added, and pinned apps will be removed in a future update. The support FAQ says removal will happen across upcoming Edge updates, but provides no confirmed date. It does not specifically name the Games menu, so the notice alone cannot confirm whether or when Games will disappear. Microsoft’s Sidebar support article does not establish its availability by Edge version or market.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
How the Games menu differs from Edge Game Assist
Despite the similar gaming context, these are separate features. The older Games menu was part of the browser sidebar; Game Assist is an Edge-powered overlay for browsing while a PC game is running.
| Feature | Where it appears | How to open it | What it does | Current status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge sidebar Games menu | In the Edge browser sidebar | Click the Games icon in the sidebar | Provides access to free-to-play casual and arcade games | Microsoft says the sidebar app list is being retired gradually, but does not specifically identify Games or give a removal date. |
| Edge Game Assist | Over a PC game through Xbox Game Bar | Press Windows key + G to open Game Bar | Supports browsing, guides, videos, and game-aware tips for enhanced games | Separate, current feature described in Microsoft’s Game Assist documentation. |
Game Assist can share browser data with desktop Edge and pin a page or video above a game. Microsoft says browser access works with any PC game; game-aware tips are for enhanced games. See Microsoft’s Edge Game Assist FAQs for its features and usage information.
Rank #2
- With broad game support, the Logitech Gamepad F310 works with old standbys to today's biggest titles, so it's easy to set up and use with your favorite games.
- Profiler software allows the gamepad to be programmed to perform keyboard and mouse commands for games without gamepad support.* * Requires software installation.
- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
Game Assist requirements and controls
Microsoft’s FAQ lists Edge 137 or later, Windows 11 Home, Education, or Pro, and Windows 11 version 22H2 or later with current updates as the included configuration. It also says Game Assist can be installed on any Windows 11 edition from Edge settings. These requirements apply to Game Assist, not the older sidebar Games menu. Microsoft says the feature is optimized for keyboard and mouse and that controller use is still being refined.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRUE WIRELESS PC CONTROLLER WITH 4-DEVICE FLEXIBILITY: Plug-and-play PC controller via included Bluetooth 5.0 dongle or USB-C cable. Seamlessly switch to for Switch (hold Sync 3s), for Android (B+HOME Bluetooth pairing), or for iOS 13+ (MFi certified).
- DUAL HALL EFFECT UPGRADE: 0% DRIFT GUARANTEE: Hall Effect joysticks (toggle 0-deadzone with T+stick press) & precision triggers outperform standard PC controllers. Self-reverts to factory settings post-shutdown to prevent drift
- SMART TURBO PC CONTROLLER: 20X SPEED DOMINATION: Program manual/auto rapid-fire (5/12/20 presses/sec) on A/B/X/Y/L/R/ZL/ZR. Clear all turbo with "- + ↓". Tactile vibration confirms each setting.
- 3-STEP VIBRATION & SWITCH-EXCLUSIVE GYRO: Adjust rumble intensity (L+R+ZL+ZR hold) for PC/for Switch. Six-axis motion controls enabled only for Switch gameplay.
- 21-ACTION BACK BUTTONS: PRO PC CONTROLLER CUSTOMIZATION: Map 21 commands per back button (A/B/X/Y/d-pad etc.) via M+M1/M2 programming. Erase all mappings instantly with M+"-".
Rank #4
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Rank #3
- RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
- Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
- Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
- Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
- Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
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