Microsoft is rolling out a new batch of Xbox console updates to Insiders starting today. The headliners are a refreshed boot animation, a new tiered badge system tied to your Gamerscore, and some long-overdue game library filters. Not the biggest drop in Xbox Insider history, but all three are things people have been asking for.
New Boot Animation
The first thing you’ll notice is the startup screen. Microsoft has updated the boot animation with the new Xbox logo and a fresh sound, keeping the signature green but giving it a cleaner look. It fires every time you power on the console, so you’ll see it plenty. Small change, but the boot sequence has looked the same for a while now.
Gamerscore Badges
Xbox is adding tiered badges based on your lifetime Gamerscore. They show up on your profile and in the Guide, and they level up as your score climbs. It’s the kind of thing achievement hunters will appreciate, and it gives long-time Xbox players a visible way to show off years of grinding. The badges update automatically as your Gamerscore grows, so no manual setup needed.
Game Library Filters
The library update is practical. New filters let you quickly tell apart games you own outright, games shared with you through Game Pass or family sharing, and installed titles you’ve lost access to. If you bounce between consoles or recently dropped a subscription, this makes it a lot easier to figure out what you can actually play right now without launching something and hitting a paywall.
Rollout
The update is going out to select Xbox Insiders first, with a broader rollout to more Insiders and eventually all players to follow. If you’re in the Xbox Insider Program, check the Xbox Insider Hub for your invite. Microsoft has been on a roll with Insider updates lately, including new touchpad controls and a free K-12 education upgrade last week. These features are expected to hit general availability sometime next month.