Xbox Dashboard Redesign Adds New Shortcuts and Visual Flash, Pushes Game Pass Harder

Microsoft has begun rolling out a new update for the Xbox dashboard (available on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S) which adds a few more features and visual appeal. New shortcuts have been added to the top of the Home screen, and, much like PS5 dashboard, your wallpaper will now change depending on what game you’re highlighting. Overall, everything looks a bit slicker, more refined, and again… a bit more PS5-like. Microsoft is also definitely using the update to highlight Game Pass more, with the new shortcuts at the top of the screen linking to it, a new prominent “Recently Added to Game Pass” row when you scroll down the page, and more. Not surprising, as Game Pass is Xbox’s biggest success story right now.

Here are some of the changes and features the new Xbox dashboard update offers:

• Makes it easy to go to your Library, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, Search, and Settings at the very top of your Home by introducing a quick access menu.
• Creates more space for your personalized background by simplifying the layout and putting the games you recently played and other content and apps towards the bottom of the screen.
• Adds an option to change your background wallpaper to match the game you are highlighting in the recently played list.
• Improves game discovery by introducing lists of games curated and personalized for you.
• Allows you to customize your experience by pinning your favorite games, curated groups, and system groups like Quick Resume to Home.
• Helps you find what’s going on in your community through the Friends & Community Updates row.
• Shows you what media apps and content are available to you via a Watch & Listen spotlight and list of entertainment apps

Microsoft says they’re currently rolling out the new Xbox dashboard to a “subset” of users, which means you might be able to check it out as of today! That said, not everybody will be getting it right away, as some will have to wait a few weeks to see the changes. What do you think about the new UI? A positive change? Negative? Or are you indifferent?