There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about firing up a simple match-3 puzzler, zoning out for a few minutes, and somehow losing an entire evening in the process. That’s exactly the kind of vibe Microsoft Jewel brings – and now it has quietly landed on the Xbox Store.
It’s available right now for PC players, and better still, there’s a nice little bonus for Game Pass subscribers too.
Published by Xbox Game Studios and developed by Microsoft Studios, Microsoft Jewel may not be a brand-new release, having been kicking around for many a year already, but its arrival on the Xbox Store gives one of Microsoft’s long-running casual games a fresh spotlight.
At A Glance
- Title: Microsoft Jewel
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Developer: Microsoft Studios
- Platforms: PC
- Price: Free
- Game Pass Perks: Ad-free gameplay and extra bonuses
A Casual Classic Finds A New Home
Microsoft has spent years building up its collection of casual titles through things like Solitaire, Mahjong and Sudoku, but Microsoft Jewel is arguably one of the more overlooked games in that line-up.
At its core, this is pure match-3 comfort food.
Players line up gems to create combos, trigger chain reactions, build Power Jewels and rack up increasingly ridiculous scores. There are also Daily Challenges to tackle, Xbox Achievements to unlock and a Challenge Mode that asks players to clear every jewel from the board.
Game Pass Adds Some Nice Extras
But if you’re a Game Pass subscriber, you’re in for a treat.
While Microsoft Jewel is completely free to download through the Xbox Store on PC, Game Pass subscribers get the premium treatment – removing ads entirely while also throwing in extra bonuses.
That ad-free angle is probably the biggest win. Casual puzzle games live or die by how smooth the experience feels, and stripping away interruptions makes Microsoft Jewel a far easier recommendation for players who just want something relaxing to dip into between bigger releases.
It also gives Game Pass another surprisingly decent little perk, especially for players who enjoy lighter games alongside the usual blockbuster additions.
Simple, Familiar, Still Addictive
While it may feel slightly unusual seeing a Microsoft Casual Games title pushed through the Xbox Store and tied into Game Pass benefits, it’s nice to see these smaller experiences getting a bit more visibility.
If you fancy switching your brain off for a while and matching colourful gems into oblivion, Microsoft Jewel is ready, downloadable and waiting via the Xbox Store for play on PC right now.
