Releases: toonymak1993/GamingConsoleMode
Release list
Game Console Mode 2.6.8
Game Console Mode 2.6.8 (First Playnite Update)
This release focuses on the new first-run flow, launcher flexibility, and cleaner controller-friendly system panels.
Highlights
- Added Playnite Mode alongside Steam Mode.
- Added a new onboarding setup where users can pick their launcher and review the core GCM behavior before entering the main interface.
- Reworked the Audio panel with a cleaner controller-friendly layout.
- Reworked the Video Output panel for switching between internal and external displays.
- Improved launcher setup handling and first-start configuration.
- Continued UI polish across the glass interface, top bar, bottom dock, and responsive layouts.
Important note about Tools for Steam
Tools for Steam is still a separate application/project.
GCM includes integration for Tools for Steam where needed, but this release should not be described as a Tools for Steam release. GCM and Tools for Steam remain two different applications.
Notes
This version changes several startup, launcher, onboarding, audio, and video-output paths. Please report bugs with logs and setup details so they can be fixed quickly.
Game Console Mode 2.6.7
Game Console Mode 2.6.7 is the first public release of the new Steam-first direction.
Highlights:
- GCM now runs as a Steam-first backend system instead of juggling multiple launcher flows.
- Controller support covers Steam Controller 2, Xbox controllers, and DualSense.
- The full settings experience now lives inside the launcher. There is no separate desktop settings app anymore.
- The shell, cards, audio panel, and task manager flow have all been visually reworked.
- Tools for Steam is integrated directly into GCM.
- GitHub release checks now point at the canonical repository path, which keeps future in-app update prompts aligned with the live release feed.
Please note:
This build changes a lot at once. It is fully usable, but there may still be rough edges and bugs while the new direction settles in.
GCM Launcher Beta Build
Beta Build
2.5.3
gcm premium test
2.5.2
Testbuild for GCM Premium
2.5.50
GMC Launcher Open Beta Update (Custom Library)
Hey everyone, a new GMC beta update is available.
This update adds the Custom Library, allowing you to add your own games or programs. Please note: this feature currently needs to be used with a mouse. Better controller support for it will be improved in a future update.
The Theme settings have also been expanded:
Top bar can now stay always open
Text size can be adjusted
Button size can be adjusted
Settings have been improved for much better navigation and usability
We will keep working on GMC and continue improving the launcher step by step. Releases will be smaller for now, because during the beta we need multiple updates until GMC reaches the quality and stability we want.
An automatic update system is planned, but for now updates still need to be downloaded manually.
If you want to support GMC, you can do that on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/GAMINGCONSOLEMODE/membership
Thank you to everyone testing, sharing feedback, and helping us move GMC forward.
2.5.47
🎮 GCM becomes GMC: Gaming Mode Companion | OPEN BETA
Hey everyone,
I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, but after a lot of thinking, I believe this is the right path forward for GCM to survive and grow.
GCM is moving away from being its own shell replacement. From now on, GCM will use Windows Full Screen Experience as the engine and focus fully on what it should be: a clean, simple, console-like launcher.
The goal is clear:
The user should enjoy the device, not become an IT technician.
🚀 Open Beta
The new FSE-ready open beta is now available.
✨ What is included
- 🎮 Clean launcher experience without shell replacement
- 🟦 Steam library support
- 🟩 Xbox / Game Pass library sign-in work in progress
- 📦 Uninstalled Games section
- 🕹️ Controller-friendly navigation
- 🎬 Startup video support
- 🧩 Game Bar integration as the future place for extra functions
- 💻 ROG Ally family support as the first handheld device family
- 🎨 ROG Ally preset theme
- 🔘 ROG Ally button takeover for GCM / Game Bar functions
More handheld devices will follow depending on community demand.
⚠️ Important Install Notes
Windows SmartScreen may warn you because the installer is not signed yet.
For now, you may need to temporarily allow or disable SmartScreen, install GCM, and then enable SmartScreen again afterwards.
If the project grows successfully, I plan to get a proper code signing certificate.
🛠️ Future Direction
GCM / GMC will stay focused on being a simple, automatic, high-end launcher experience.
Later, I also plan to offer a lifetime license for only $9.99 to support continued development.
Thank you to everyone testing, giving feedback, and helping shape the future of Gaming Mode Companion.
GCM Launcher Beta Build 2.5.4.0
GCM Launcher Beta Build
2.5.1
🚀 GCM Official Release 2.5.1 The "Quick Resume" Update & Fix
This update is a massive leap forward, featuring the highly anticipated Quick Resume logic and significant "under the hood" optimizations for a snappier, smoother experience. 💎
🎧 Audio & Core Engine
- New Audio Mixer: Completely overhauled for better stability. Fixed a bug to ensure only the currently active device is displayed.
- Streamlined Launchers: Paths are a thing of the past! Launchers now automatically scan and find your path without manual input.
- Performance Boost: Optimized general startup speed and transition fluidity. ⚡
- Guide Button Integration: Full support is live!
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⚠️ Note: To prevent "double-input" issues, please disable/remap the Guide Button in Xbox Game Bar and Steam Big Picture settings.
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🎨 Visuals & UI Polish
- GCM Settings Redesign: The entire settings menu has been refreshed for a much cleaner, more modern look with updated icons.
- Resolution & Scaling: GCM now adapts perfectly to your display resolution and Windows scaling settings. 🖥️
- Improved Startup Video: Transitions are now seamless and the video remains in the foreground.
- ⏭️ Pro Tip: You can now press "B" to skip the startup video!
- Artwork Manager: Press Start under any card to add custom art via file upload or the SteamGridDB API.
- Wallpaper Search: Find the perfect backdrop by searching online with resolution filters directly in the app.
🎮 Controls & Features
- Quick Resume & Login Bypass: Removed login windows to get you straight back into your game.
- Discord Integration: The "Discord Card" is now optional and can be toggled under the Task Manager settings.
- New Shortcut Overlay: A fresh look for your HUD!
- ❗ Action Required: Please rebind your keys to activate the new overlay correctly.
- Xbox Controller Support: Native Xbox shortcuts are fully integrated. (PlayStation support is coming soon! 🎮).
🔧 Bug Fixes
- Controller Ghosting: Fixed the issue where the controller would randomly move the mouse cursor during gameplay.
- Onboarding: Fixed the setup flow to include the new Artwork configuration section.
- General Stability: Squashed several minor bugs to ensure a crash-free experience.
2.4.3.0
🎮 GCM v2.4.3.0
Release Notes:
🎨 Visuals & Customization
Frost UI Overhaul: Experience the brand-new "Frost" design language across the entire interface.
Live Wallpapers: You can now use .mp4 files as dynamic backgrounds via the wallpaper extension.
Streamlined Notifications: The old shortcut overlay has been removed. All shortcut notifications now happen directly within the GCM Task Manager for a much more modern feel.
🎮 Gaming & Controller Enhancements
DualSense Integration: Native support for PS5 DualSense controllers is now live.
Handheld Power: ROG Ally users can now remap the M1 and M2 buttons but it is only for Alpha user!
Battery Status: You can now see your Xbox Controller battery level directly in the app.
Auto-Hide Mouse: The cursor will now automatically hide when a controller is in use.
⌨️ Updated Shortcuts (New Clean Install Layout)
Note: These changes apply to new installations of GCM:
Open GCM Task Manager: Back + X (formerly Back + Start).
Mouse Mode: Hold D-pad Down + Right Thumbstick for 2 seconds.
Note: Mouse Mode for PlayStation controllers is in early development—updates are coming!
⚙️ System & Installation Updates
Improved Uninstaller: When uninstalling, Windows settings are automatically reset, and registry entries are cleaned up properly.
Clean Installation: The installer now performs a deep clean of old files before installing and launches GCM Settings automatically.
Integrated Sound Manager: Manage audio levels directly within the Task Manager.
GeForce Now (Beta): Now available as a native launcher selection.
🛡️ Windows Security & Safety
Some users might see a Windows Security / SmartScreen warning. Unfortunately, Microsoft often flags third-party tools (similar to how it sometimes handles Armoury Crate). Rest assured: GCM is safe. Please whitelist/allow the app if the warning pops up. As the project grows, we will move towards official licensing to prevent these false positives.
:tools: What’s Next?
We are now focusing heavily on stability and further polishing. Please report any bugs you find!