The updated design was shown during a recent Xbox video connected to Microsoft’s GDC presentation. It is not a complete redesign, but it does show some useful changes that could make the Xbox experience feel cleaner and less fragmented across devices.
On console and handheld, the dashboard still looks close to the current Xbox home screen. The main carousel for recent games and apps remains in place, but the user profile has moved to the top right. The biggest visible change is below the carousel, where the number of ad slots appears to drop from three to two.
That small change could matter. Xbox dashboards have often been criticized for feeling crowded, especially when ads take up space near the main game area. Fewer ad slots should make the home screen feel less busy.
The Xbox app on PC also seems to be getting a small refresh. It appears to borrow some design ideas from the newer Xbox Cloud Gaming interface and includes an online friends section in the left side column. That should make the PC app feel more connected to the wider Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft is not trying to make every screen look exactly the same. Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem, said the company has to account for screen size and input methods. A TV, handheld, laptop, desktop monitor, and cloud interface all need slightly different layouts.
The goal is to make Xbox feel familiar no matter where you play. Microsoft wants to reduce the current fragmentation across console, PC, handhelds, and cloud gaming, especially as it prepares for Project Helix and more hybrid Xbox hardware.
| Area | Visible change |
|---|---|
| Console dashboard | Fewer ad slots below the main carousel |
| Profile placement | Moved to the top right |
| Handheld interface | Similar to console, adjusted for smaller screens |
| Xbox PC app | Takes design cues from Xbox Cloud Gaming |
| Friends list | Online friends shown in the left side column |
| Main goal | More consistent Xbox experience across devices |
This refresh fits into Microsoft’s wider effort to improve Xbox software. Recent updates have focused on achievements, user experience changes, and better platform consistency. A cleaner dashboard may not be a huge change by itself, but it points in the right direction.
The most welcome part is the reduced ad space. If Microsoft wants Xbox to feel faster and more player focused, the dashboard needs to put games, friends, and useful features ahead of clutter.
Microsoft has not confirmed when this refreshed UI will roll out. The designs also appear to still be in progress, so more changes could arrive before release.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.