On consoles, the real-time strategy title features a new user interface, new and improved tutorials, support for 4K resolution, and more.

Microsoft announced in October last year that Age of Empires 4 would be coming to Xbox consoles at some point in 2023, and just as fans were beginning to wonder when the next update on the console port will arrive, it has received a surprise launch.

At Gamescom Opening Night Live, Microsoft announced with a new trailer that Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition has now launched for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, and is, of course, also available via Xbox Game Pass.

The real-time strategy title’s console port comes with a handful of key changes and additions, including 4K support, a new user interface, new automatic tools to speed up gameplay, quality-of-life improvements, improved tutorials for a better onboarding experience, and more.

The improved onboarding, meanwhile, comes in the form of The Rise of a King, a new narrative-driven experience that takes place over a 20-year period leading up to the Battle of Hastings, which is where the main campaign kicks off.

Where multiplayer is concerned, players can compete, cooperate, or spectate with up to 7 friends in PvP and PvE multiplayer modes on Xbox Series X/S, and up to 3 friends on Xbox One.