It takes advantage of the new graphical user interface (GUI) of Windows Vista, and includes features such as tile set and background choices.

[5]) The game did not make it to Windows 8; however, a standalone version, developed by Arkadium[2] and published by Microsoft Studios,[3] can be downloaded from the Windows Store free of charge and played without download on the web.

[9] A mobile version of the game was released on iOS and Android, known as Mahjong by Microsoft.

[10] The player has a choice of six tile layouts:[11] Turtle, Dragon, Cat, Fortress, Crab, and Spider.

The newer version of Microsoft Mahjong adds new layouts, improved graphics and sound, online features such as a set of daily challenges that reward the user with "badges" when completed, and Xbox Live integration.