Microsoft had planned to introduce a refreshed Xbox homescreen but beta testers' complaints over its crowded appearance and the many ads have made Microsoft rethink the launch.
The new Xbox homescreen was being tested with beta testers ahead of a planned public roll-out, but Microsoft is now removing the homescreen entirely from its beta software.
- "We heard from you that the changes to the top of Home did not leave enough space for you to enjoy your backgrounds and that it felt crowded," said Ivy Krislov, Senior Product Manager Lead, Xbox experiences. "We’re working to balance the experience, accessibility, function, and the needs of our community and bring you a great and refreshed Home experience."
The planned new Xbox homescreen that Microsoft has now abandoned
In September 2022, FlatpanelsHD noted how the new homescreen was full of ads for the Xbox Game Pass service that Microsoft is trying to get more Xbox users to subscribe to. While such game listings can be useful for discovering new games, they should be confined to the store and not on the user's personal space – the homescreen - which should instead be user customizable.
Microsoft says that it will share more details on the future of Xbox homescreen soon. Hopefully the company has heard its users' pleas.
