Public testing of its new Edge chromium-powered browser on its Xbox consoles by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has begun much to the delight of its users. Xbox testers, who belong to the Alpha Skip-Ahead group, can gain access to the new browser on the following consoles: Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S consoles. This is a first step forward to replace the old browsers on Xbox consoles.

Microsoft Edge is working up to the expectations, with a few small hitches that are accepted when using an Xbox controller as there is no full mouse or keyboard support. It is performing quite well in the initial test version, despite glitches.

Xbox gamers, who also want access to websites through their console, will be happy with the chromium based browser from Microsoft. Edge can also give users access to Google Stadia streaming services. Edge also improves compatibility with not only Google but also popular browser based support for Microsoft’s communication tools Skype or Discord because of its Chromium power.

This version of Edge seems to have the same sync engine that is used across Edge in other Microsoft devices. It has support for extensions and vertical tabs. It also has most of the desktop features of Edge including Collections.

On March 9, support for the existing Microsoft legacy version browser on Windows desktop is supposed to end. Using the Edge browser as a replacement is much needed as it has successfully been used in Windows 10, the latest OS from Microsoft.

By beginning to test the updated Edge chromium-based browser, Microsoft is indicating that it will soon arrive on all Xbox consoles and this will increase the features for gamers who love the Xbox but have gamely been managing with an old version browser which has not been updated from a while.