Get Ready for a Major Xbox Upgrade!

The new leadership at Xbox is quickly making its mark on Microsoft’s gaming division. Following the departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond in late February, CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty have initiated several changes aimed at winning back the trust of gamers. In April, they reversed a controversial price increase for Xbox Game Pass, lowering the Ultimate subscription from $29.99 to $22.99, though this came with the stipulation that future Call of Duty titles would no longer be available on day one. Shortly after, they rebranded Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox.

The latest console update highlights their commitment to returning to the brand’s roots, featuring a revamped boot-up experience, new tiered Gamerscore badges, and enhanced game library filters. These updates are currently accessible to Xbox Insider members and will be rolled out to all users soon.

One of the standout changes is the new boot-up experience that players will see every time they turn on their consoles. While it may seem like a minor detail, it evokes nostalgia similar to the iconic boot screens of the PS1 or Nintendo GameCube. According to the announcement, this update aims to capture the essence of classic Xbox while hinting at exciting developments ahead.

“We’ve updated the console boot-up experience with a new animation and sound, featuring the new Xbox logo with the signature green that players know so well. You’ll see and hear the update when you power on your console, bringing a refreshed look and feel from the moment you jump in,” shared senior product manager Alex Charters.

The beloved Gamerscore system, which debuted with the Xbox 360 in 2005, is also getting a makeover. The more achievements you accumulate, the more impressive your badge becomes. Lower tiers feature a simple green circle, while higher tiers boast larger badges adorned with stars and laurels. This change adds a touch of flair beyond just a numerical representation.

Additionally, improvements to Xbox’s library management system will help players easily navigate their game collections. “New filters make it easy to separate games you own from those shared with you and identify installed titles you no longer have access to. Whether you’re switching devices or jumping between consoles, it’s now clearer what’s in your library and what’s actually playable,” the announcement explains.

For those eager to try out new features early and provide feedback, more information about the Xbox Insider Program is available. It’s open to users on Xbox One, Series X|S, and Windows PC.

Asha Sharma appears ready to transform Microsoft Gaming, even rethinking its name. How far will she take this evolution?