Xbox Game Pass is the focus of next year’s Xbox Series X UI refresh
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A brand new layout of the Xbox Series X|S home menu is in development, and it brings Xbox Game Pass to the forefront.
The new Xbox Series X|S home menu layout is now available to Xbox Insiders on the Alpha Ring and prominently features the Xbox Game Pass. The layout should roll out to all Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S owners by 2023, but if you want to try it early, consider joining the Xbox Insider program.
Demonstrated by Tom Warren of The Verge in a short video (below), Xbox Game Pass’s “Recently Added” tab is now directly below your most recently used apps at the top of the home menu. That means you don’t have to open the Xbox Game Pass app to see what’s been added to the service.
A good thing for Game Pass?
I’m an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, and while I love the service, I’m not much of a fan of how this new UI layout is a constant, subtle reminder that the service exists.
In the video, Warren mentions that the layout feels like a giant Xbox Game Pass ad, and I totally agree. Xbox Game Pass is a good enough service whose value has spread easily through word of mouth, so maybe it doesn’t need to be so aggressive in its marketing.
It also runs the risk of alienating non-subscribers. Whether it’s for affordability or if you just don’t want a different subscription to your monthly bill, not every Xbox owner takes advantage of the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem.
Hopefully, Microsoft will rethink the layout to be a little less in-your-face, or alternatively, it won’t remain obtrusive for those not subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. While I remain a fan of the service and have made great use of the ever-growing library and Xbox Cloud Gaming, it’s certainly not something everyone wants to constantly promote.