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To release a game on Xbox or PC through Microsoft Store, configure the product in Partner Center, provide packages, ratings and Store listing details, then submit it for certification. Microsoft requires certification before release for products launching on Xbox consoles or PC. The exact checklist depends on supported platforms, release markets, product features and whether you plan to distribute physical discs.
How Xbox game publishing works
Partner Center is the hub for product setup, package uploads, age ratings, Store information, certification submissions and publishing. Microsoft’s Game Publishing Guide overview lays out the workflow: configure the product, submit it for certification, and publish after it passes.
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- Complete partner onboarding. Register as an Xbox partner, enroll in Partner Center and apply to ID@Xbox through Microsoft’s Xbox onboarding overview. Microsoft says registration and applying to ID@Xbox have no fees; those facts do not guarantee acceptance or immediate access to every publishing feature.
- Set up the product. Configure the game and its supported platforms in Partner Center.
- Prepare packages and product details. Upload the platform packages and complete properties, age ratings, Store listings, pricing and availability, gaming metadata, and Xbox services as applicable.
- Submit for certification. Complete the questionnaire and provide relevant supplemental material, such as an achievement guide, walkthrough or key-features summary.
- Publish after passing. Once certification passes, publish the product and make it available to customers in the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft’s Partner Center readiness checklist is a useful final configuration check. Make sure the product is accurately represented, certified packages cover the supported platforms, and ratings are present for the markets where the game will be available.
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What certification checks
Microsoft requires certification before release for products launching on Xbox consoles or PC. The certification submission guidance describes three main stages:
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- Submission checks: Validator review and antivirus scanning.
- Build verification testing: Confirmation that the build can be tested and that issues from earlier submissions have been resolved.
- Xbox requirements testing: Testing against the requirements and test cases applicable to the product.
Before a final submission, review validator results and address issues found in earlier submissions. Depending on the submission history, Microsoft may require a package version increment after a prior Optional or Final submission. Complete the relevant Xbox services, Properties and Age Ratings configuration, along with the certification questionnaire and any material needed to test the game.
Certification covers more than the uploaded package: Microsoft’s process also considers Store listing and pricing and availability information. Applicable requirements vary with the product and its features. For instance, games that require publisher-account sign-in or account linking for gameplay or features have specific access and disclosure obligations. The Xbox console requirements address age-appropriate access in light of the game’s rating, Xbox family settings, regional law, and feature-specific safety or privacy requirements. They also require clear disclosure of publisher-account requirements and material restrictions in the Store, packaging and in-game messaging.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Age ratings: digital releases and physical discs
Age ratings are required for certification submissions. In Partner Center, publishers can complete the IARC questionnaire to generate a rating or enter an existing IARC rating ID obtained through another platform or storefront. The Microsoft age-ratings guidance also makes publishers responsible for supplying any required certificates for review.
For digital distribution
- Answer the IARC questionnaire accurately and redo it if the answers change.
- Check that uploaded rating values and descriptors match the configured information.
- Confirm that ratings cover every market selected for availability.
These checks are included in Microsoft’s Partner Center readiness checklist.
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
For physical distribution
Physical-media releases add regional certificate steps. Complete the questionnaire and upload the rating certificate obtained from the relevant ratings board for each region where the game will be distributed physically. If a game spans platforms and you override an IARC-generated rating, a valid certificate may be needed for each platform. Xbox Series X|S is treated as a new platform by most rating authorities; whether an additional-platform or full submission is needed depends on whether the content is unchanged or materially changed. Check the applicable rating authority and Xbox contacts for current requirements, fees and conditions.
Store listing text and assets
The Store listing is the customer-facing text, imagery and trailers shown on the Microsoft Store product detail page. Microsoft requires a listing in at least one language, including a text description and at least one screenshot to complete the Store listing step. Localized listings are recommended for languages used in release markets where feasible. Requirements depend on device family, so a game available on Xbox must meet Xbox-specific rules as well as rules for any other supported devices.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
For game submissions, Microsoft’s Xbox Store listing guide identifies these required art assets:
- Box art
- Poster art
- Featured Promotional Square Art
- Super Hero Art
- Titled Hero Art
- Screenshots
Branded Key Art is no longer required for Xbox submissions. Trailers are optional but highly recommended. Do not assume this game-asset list applies unchanged to downloadable content, physical-disc submissions or every device family; confirm the relevant instructions for the product.
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Screenshot and artwork checks
The listing guide supports one to eight screenshots and recommends at least four. It also specifies placement requirements: where applicable, the title must appear in the upper two-thirds of the image, a placement rule enforced during certification. Exact file formats and dimensions depend on the asset, so check the current guide before creating final art.
Trailer checks
Trailer instructions differ by placement. A Store product-page trailer has its own requirements, including an exception concerning embedded ratings; requirements for other trailer placements may differ. Verify the instructions for the intended placement rather than applying one trailer rule to every use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How platform, market and release format change the checklist
- Platform: Xbox console, Xbox on PC and multi-platform releases can have different package and listing needs. Rating certificates may also need to cover each platform.
- Release format: Digital distribution and physical discs do not have identical rating and listing steps. Physical distribution requires regional rating certificates; disc ordering also requires a completed, certified listing with final assets.
- Market and language: Ratings must cover configured markets. Consider Store listing languages used in those markets.
- Features and accounts: Online features, publisher-account requirements and account linking can trigger additional safety, privacy, age-appropriate access and disclosure obligations.
Use the current Partner Center instructions for the specific product, platform, markets and release mode. Microsoft’s publishing pages can change independently, and some workflow steps require Xbox creator or Partner Center access. The overview page was last updated June 17, 2026; the procedural pages may have different update schedules.
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