Xbox is finally getting a new UI, and it looks very familiar

Xbox One and Series X/S consoles are finally getting a new UI and it looks very familiar.

It’s often nice to have a change of console scenery, so to speak. Over the years, Xbox dashboards have been no stranger to mixing things up, whether it be the 360 blades or the modern tiled format of this generation of consoles. For the most part, I find the Xbox dashboards to be relatively easy to use, with most games and apps found with a flick of the analogue stick. Some could argue that the PlayStation 5 is in need of a drastic UI overhaul with many touting that the PS4’s UI is far superior.

Xbox exclusive Starfield launches later this year. Let's hope it's better than Redfall.

However, in the case of the Xbox One and Series X/S, it seems that subtlety is the key. As reported by Pure Xbox, some gamers have been testing the new and upcoming UI courtesy of the Xbox Insider ‘Home Experience’.

The new UI home screen is more of the same, with its biggest implementation having more tiles on the screen so that more games and apps can be seen at a quick glance. The new UI will be arriving later this week for the Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha Insider testing pools. With more tiles being on screen due to being shrunk in size, it also means that there is more space to marvel over your favourite captured screenshots or your favourite dynamic themes.

What’s more, the new and improved UI will feature “quick access” icons at the top of the screen for your library, Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft Store, search and settings. Additionally, video game dashboard tiles will have a “responsive game art feature” which triggers when you hover over the tile in question. Hm, sounds familiar. Yes, this is shaping up to be very similar to the PS5's UI.

This upcoming UI for Xbox One and Series X/S isn't a game changer, but sometimes it's the most subtle of improvements that can make life that little easier.

In related news, the UK market regulator has blocked Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard and if an unsuccessful appeal is made, it could result in the deal being delayed for a further 10 years.