Finally! Xbox UI Update Brings Game Pinning & More Control

The Xbox now features a customizable dashboard, alongside the introduction of the new Copilot for Gaming, currently in beta preview.

Xbox Home UI update: 'Oblivion Remastered' pinned. Easy game pinning & dashboard customization. Image: Xbox

For years, Xbox users have consistently voiced a common desire: more intuitive control over their console's home screen. Today, that invaluable feedback culminates in a significant breakthrough, mirroring the precision and user-centric advancements we see in leading technology. Microsoft's latest Xbox UI update finally delivers an intuitive level of personalization that gamers have long craved.

This isn't just a minor adjustment; it's a thoughtful evolution of the Xbox Home UI, fundamentally transforming how you interact with your games and applications. No longer will your digital space feel dictated by default settings, but rather crafted to your specific preferences.

Pin Your Priorities: Favorite Games, Always Within Reach

Today, Xbox officially announced this pivotal update through its official blog, unveiling these powerful new customization features. At the heart of this innovation is the highly anticipated ability to pin apps and games directly to your Xbox home screen. Imagine your most-played titles, essential streaming services, or that game you're currently immersed in, residing permanently at the forefront of your dashboard. You can now effortlessly pin up to three of your recently launched games or applications. These chosen selections will remain prominently displayed in your "recently used" section, regardless of how many other apps or games you launch. This simple yet profound feature eliminates tedious scrolling and ensures your gaming experience begins exactly where you want it, fostering true Xbox personalization.

 Beyond Just Pinning

The comprehensive customization options introduced with this update extend far beyond simple pinning, empowering you to truly curate your Xbox environment:

• Hide System Apps: For those who prefer a streamlined, game-focused interface, the option to hide system apps like Settings or the Store from your main UI is a significant game-changer. This feature substantially reduces visual clutter, allowing your preferred content to take center stage.
• Tailor Your Tile Count: Do you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a broader overview of your recent activity? The new settings allow you to reduce the number of apps and games listed in the "recently used" section to just four tiles, down from the previous default of nine. This flexibility ensures your Xbox dashboard perfectly reflects your personal usage habits and visual preference.

Seamless Rollout, Immediate Impact

This exciting suite of customization options is a core component of the June Xbox dashboard update, which is rolling out to all users starting today. Microsoft's evident commitment to integrating user feedback is highlighted by this rapid deployment, following initial testing with Xbox Insiders just last month.

To access these powerful new controls and personalize your Xbox experience, simply navigate to Settings > General > Personalization > Games & apps.

Embracing the Future: Xbox AI Integration with "Copilot for Gaming"

This update also marks a significant stride in AI in gaming, as Xbox introduces a groundbreaking new feature dubbed "Copilot for Gaming." This innovation integrates Microsoft's sophisticated AI Copilot directly into the gaming ecosystem. This new feature empowers you, the gamer, to ask Copilot questions about the game you are currently playing, and even "seek assistance" if you encounter any difficulties or require strategic advice.

Currently, this pioneering feature is available in preview on Android and iOS mobile devices, accessible within the beta version of the Xbox Mobile App. The company has ambitious plans to expand its availability, with a confirmed rollout "coming this holiday on the ROG Xbox Ally." This addition underscores a clear commitment from Xbox to refine the user experience, providing intuitive control and the kind of cutting-edge Xbox personalization that defines modern digital platforms. It's a definitive victory for gamers, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and truly personalized gateway to their entertainment, augmented by the power of artificial intelligence.