TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Xbox Tests Retro Boot Animations and New Features with Insider Program
WHY IT MATTERS
The rollout expands user customization and enhances cloud gaming performance, positioning Xbox to compete with rivals offering richer personalization and smoother remote play.
What happened
Microsoft is rolling out a suite of new features to its Xbox consoles through the Insider program. Testers can now choose from a selection of legacy boot animations, including the original Xbox One screen, the Xbox One X startup, the original Xbox Series X/S boot, and a new “we are Xbox” animation.
The update also adds more badge personalization options, a local search function, improved Remote Play quality, the ability to download content while playing in the cloud, and clearer voice chat. While the original Xbox and Xbox 360 boot screens remain unavailable, the company plans to allow full customization of the boot animation in the near future.
These changes give users greater control over their console’s look and feel while tightening performance for cloud‑based gameplay.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Xbox is bringing back startup animations from its console history
The Verge · Tom Warren · Discovery only; Vox Media copyright terms apply