The Xbox home screen is getting a shake up after fan feedback
Xbox Insiders will be able to preview a bunch of changes to the Xbox home screen later this week
➡️ The Shortcut Skinny: Xbox home screen
📺 Microsoft is testing a bunch of new Xbox home screen features
😯 Several new layouts can be previewed by Xbox Insider members
💪 Groups and games can also be added directly to the dashboard
🆓 You can sign up for the free testing program now
The Xbox Series X|S home screen is being spruced up, as Microsoft rolls out a new preview for Xbox Insider members.
Several new home screen layouts have been introduced, grouping user-picked modules together in different arrangements. Testers will be shown different groupings and can feed back their thoughts about the changes to Microsoft directly.
Other changes have been made to the consoles’ game and app groups (which essentially function like folders on a PC). You’ll be able to pin groups directly to the Xbox home screen by heading into ‘My games and apps’ > ‘Groups’ > ‘Group name’ and pressing the Menu button. Select “Add to Home” and, hey presto, they’ll be within easy reach.
Games can also be added directly to the home screen, letting you quickly access them, as well as see other info about your achievements and content. You’ll be able to pin up to 10 games, which can be added by highlighting a games tile anywhere in the dashboard – like in the ‘My games and app’s section – pressing the Menu button and selecting “Add to Home”. That should make accessing your favorite titles and the best Xbox Series X games a whole lot easier.
A new “Watch & Listen” spotlight tile will let you browse and watch any media, while additional tiles will appear next to entertainment apps, linking to collections of apps and movies in the Microsoft store.
Featured lists of Xbox Game Pass games and other titles in the Microsoft Store will also now be curated using an algorithm, which should make them more personalized and useful to you.
This latest update comes as part of “a multi-month series of experiments to learn how to create a more personalized home screen experience and address some of the top trends and fan requests”. After that period of experimentation and iteration wraps up, Microsoft says a new home screen will roll out for all Xbox Series X|S users later next year.
“We’ve heard a ton of varied feedback, including wanting to see more of your custom background,” said Microsoft. “We’re on it! Stay tuned for more info soon.”
All users can preview the new layouts this week, so long as they’re signed up to the Xbox Insider Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha rings. To become part of the free program, simply download the Xbox Insider Hub app on your console, boot it up and select which preview ring you want to enroll in. Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead will let you test the latest updates as soon as they’re available.