Steam v Microsoft store - any real difference?

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Hi there.

I have found a good deal on a game on the Microsoft Store but the same game is also available on Steam (for considerably more).

Is there any real difference between the two versions or should you just go for whichever is cheaper?
 
I use the Microsoft Store when I'm looking for play anywhere games (e.g. subnautica 2) so I can switch between devices as I'm kicked out the lounge... MS allow you to register game keys, on your account, from other regions using a VPN which steam is not so great at... so there as UTmaniac said it could be even cheaper at the key sellers in the argentian region etc. Steam is available outside of windows which I dont know if MS Store is or the xbox app.
 
I can get a decent price on Loaded for the MS version of Forza Horizon 6 (£42). It is £60 directly on steam - should I go for the cheaper MS version of is there any real advantage for of the Steam version?

I have never even heard of Fanatical - I take it that you have had good experiences with them?
 
I bought the MS store version of FH6 to discover it only supports Xbox pad and not my dualsense, so wish I had waited for steam version, now I have to use DS4windows app to translate DS to Xbox, Steam games typically just work.

Also its download was so slow compared to steam rarely going over 600Mb, Typically I can max my 2Gb line on Steam
 
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I can get a decent price on Loaded for the MS version of Forza Horizon 6 (£42). It is £60 directly on steam - should I go for the cheaper MS version of is there any real advantage for of the Steam version?

I have never even heard of Fanatical - I take it that you have had good experiences with them?
It really comes down to your preference for platform. I prefer Steam personally ( games get quicker updates - even MS games, more features etc ). Unfortunately there aren't any 3rd party keys for the Steam FH6 version ... could be weeks or months until they are available, so if cost is a major factor then your only option at the moment is buying a discounted Xbox storefront key.
 
Depends what game, if you want to mod it etc then steam is better.

I bought the MS store version of FH6 to discover it only supports Xbox pad and not my dualsense, so wish I had waited for steam version, now I have to use an app to translate DS to Xbox.
Ah - I see. So there are a few differences, then?

To be honest, whilst I have most of my games on Steam, there are a few that I had to buy outside of it - usually be cause that is the only place that I can buy them (GTA, Cyberpunk etc).

I have Forza 5 and I wasn't even aware that you could mod that game - ultimately, am I missing much from buying the cheaper version?
 
I bought the MS store version of FH6 to discover it only supports Xbox pad and not my dualsense, so wish I had waited for steam version, now I have to use DS4windows app to translate DS to Xbox, Steam games typically just work..
That blows - maybe when the PS version gets released they'll update the PC / Xbox version. Worth sending PGG an in-game message requesting this feature.
 
I bought the MS store version of FH6 to discover it only supports Xbox pad and not my dualsense, so wish I had waited for steam version, now I have to use DS4windows app to translate DS to Xbox, Steam games typically just work.

Also its download was so slow compared to steam rarely going over 600Mb, Typically I can max my 2Gb line on Steam

People who have the leaked version report it works fine on that. So the restriction is for some reason put in place seemingly on purpose. So lame
 
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It really comes down to your preference for platform. I prefer Steam personally ( games get quicker updates - even MS games, more features etc ). Unfortunately there aren't any 3rd party keys for the Steam FH6 version ... could be weeks or months until they are available, so if cost is a major factor then your only option at the moment is buying a discounted Xbox storefront key.
Thanks for this - this is pretty significant to be honest. That is pretty crumby that the Steam version could get more features, even though Forza is indirectly made by MS.
 
Thanks for this - this is pretty significant to be honest. That is pretty crumby that the Steam version could get more features, even though Forza is indirectly made by MS.
I should clarify that I meant Steam itself has more features ... not necessarily Forza on that platform. But as @sandys has highlighted there are subtle differences between the two versions ie. controller support, and in my experience that's one of the downsides of the Xbox platform - it has annoying quirks like that. Similar scenario with the Indiana Jones game that came out 18 months ago - performed better on Steam and got quicker updates despite being an MS / Xbox game. The only reason I personally would buy a specific title on Xbox is if I wanted to play that game on both console ( Series S/X ) and PC.
 
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I should clarify that I meant Steam itself has more features ... not necessarily Forza on that platform. But as @sandys has highlighted there are subtle differences between the two versions ie. controller support, and in my experience that's one of the downsides of the Xbox platform - it has annoying quirks like that. Similar scenario with the Indiana Jones game that came out 18 months ago - performed better on Steam and got quicker updates despite being an MS / Xbox game. The only reason I personally would buy a specific title on Xbox is if I wanted to play that game on both console ( Series S/X ) and PC.
Sorry - I misunderstood. Thanks for this - much appreciated.
 
FYI My handheld PCs identify as X360 controllers they are fine but I like to game on DualSense typically, so if your controller is a Xbox compatible you'll be fine, it does not have to be an Xbox controller.
 
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I can get a decent price on Loaded for the MS version of Forza Horizon 6 (£42). It is £60 directly on steam - should I go for the cheaper MS version of is there any real advantage for of the Steam version?

I have never even heard of Fanatical - I take it that you have had good experiences with them?
I've uses Loaded far more often than Fanatical, but no problems with Steam keys from either.
 
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