Summary

A new console update forXboxadds and improves a wide selection of features, hopefully making for a better experience than ever on Microsoft’s platform. From expanding customization possibilities to offering quality-of-life fixes that assist with accessibility and ease of use, everything included seems like a worthwhile addition. These changes are principally targeted at Xbox consoles, but there are also some tweaks that affect PC players and Xbox Cloud Gaming users.

Xbox consoles have received a long list of major updates in recent years, with past additions including features likeDiscord voice chat integrationand expanded library management options. Microsoft certainly hasn’t maintained a perfect image lately, with some significant studio closures particularly damaging the faith placed in the brand, but there’s still a lot to love when it comes to the Xbox platform itself. The recent announcement of a digital-only Xbox Series X variant will also add another option for those looking to buy into the ecosystem, delivering top-notch power at a slightly reduced price.

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Xbox Console Features Added In The June 2024 Update

Dynamic Background Changes, Improved Settings, & Controller Updates

As announced onXbox Wire, one exciting change for consoles is a tweak to the home screen background options on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. Previously, it was possible to select either game art based on the currently selected title or dynamic backgrounds that overrode that feature. With the June 2024 Xbox update, the best of both worlds is available thanks toa toggle that allows the system to show game art when applicable while defaulting to a dynamic backgroundwhen a game isn’t selected. Dynamic background colors can also now be adjusted without affecting the profile color.

The setting to change can be found underSettings > General > Personalization > My Background > Show selected game art.

Master Chief looking successful with money signs and Xbox logo

The otherbig Xbox console changesstreamline features that could previously be cumbersome. Xbox systems can now save up to 10 wireless networks, saving some trouble for anyone who frequently connects to more than one network.Subscriptions can also now be handled from within the console’s basic account settings, making it easy to change payment plans or tiers for services like Xbox Game Pass. This eliminates the need to deal with a web browser, which can be especially inconvenient when it comes to consoles.

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Controllers are also getting some buffs thanks to firmware updates, which can be acquired through the Xbox Accessories app on both Xbox consoles and PC. The Xbox Adaptive Controller is receiving support for more connected USB peripherals, a significant step forward for accessibility. Wireless disconnects have been improved when using headsets with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox promises some more generalized bug fixes along with these changes.

The Xbox Cloud Gaming library interface with a section for games that support mouse and keyboard.

Xbox Update Features For PC, Cloud Gaming, & More

Mouse & Keyboard Support Is Coming To Cloud Gaming On PC

Xbox’s changes to PC and Cloud Gaming might not be as interesting to console players, but they’re significant enough to be worth noting. On the PC end, Game Pass is receiving options to categorize games from selected publishers. ForXbox Cloud Gaming users, data management can be handled through a webpage, Samsung’s smart TV app, and cloud gaming devices, allowing users to delete save information and troubleshoot problems.Mouse and keyboard support for browser-based PC play is also officially launching, making it possible to play many games without using a controller.

Every Day-One Game Pass Release Announced At Xbox Games Showcase

Xbox tends to roll out its features by testing them on select users before official launches, andthe June 2024 update adds a new batch of experimental featuresin this vein. The announcement mentions expanded console search results, Game Pass UI updates, and tweaks to search card results and flashcard store buttons. If these changes go over well with the subset of users that encounter them, they’re likely to be universally implemented within the coming months.

Xbox Series X/S

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are two consoles Microsoft released in  November 2020. Like most Xbox models, the Xbox Series X/S was the main competitor to the PlayStation 5. The consoles were the successors to Microsoft’s Xbox One line. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X are comparable interns of graphics, the Xbox Series S provides less powerful graphics around 1080p-1440p and does not contain a disc drive.

Doom Slayer and a character from Call of Duty Black Ops 6 with the Summer Game Fest logo.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S