Microsoft has revealed that the Xbox Series X dashboard is at last being upgraded to support 4K resolutions almost a year after the console first released. The system has been continually updated over 2021, adding several features and fixing a number of issues along the way. This included an Xbox Series X/S Quick Resume update fixing a major glitch in the feature that once prevented players from jumping back into the action as intended.
While the Xbox Series X/S are the most popular consoles in the company's history, a major part of Xbox's overall strategy remains focused on software and services like Xbox Game Pass. Just recently, Xbox head Phil Spencer faced pressure to deny rumors that Xbox Game Pass would be coming to competing consoles like the Nintendo Switch. The game subscription service is currently available on Xbox consoles, mobile devices via cloud gaming, and PC. However, there have been persistent rumors that a working relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo could lead to Game Pass coming to the popular hybrid console at some point. But Spencer has again spoken out to state that the company has no plans to bring Xbox Game Pass to Nintendo Switch. For now, Xbox's focus remains squarely on its supported platforms, with the Xbox Series X/S being chief among them.
The Xbox Series X is getting a 4K resolution upgrade for its dashboard, as Microsoft confirms Xbox Insiders in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead programs will get access to the higher resolution dashboard starting today, August 17. This is a much-requested feature from players, with the current dashboard only outputting at 1080p, a noticeable downgrade compared to most in-game menus. Xbox explained in a statement that “this change means Home, Guide, and other areas of the UI will be displayed in a higher native resolution for increased sharpness and text readability." The company has not confirmed when the update will come to other players or when it will be available to users on Xbox Series S, if at all.
As well as enjoying an upgraded dashboard, Xbox users will soon be able to get their hands on some impressive indie games. During a recent ID@Xbox Showcase, Microsoft announced Stardew Valley for Xbox Game Pass and that more indie games are set to arrive on the service library in the coming months. This includes the likes of Aragami 2, Evil Genius 2, and Pupperazzi. These smaller-budget games are joining some of Game Pass' more high-profile additions, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and Hades, which were made available to subscribers in August.
Microsoft has done a fairly sound job of updating its new Xbox consoles, ensuring any problems are quickly fixed and that players have proper access to the hardware's new features. The graphical upgrade to the Xbox Series X dashboard will likely be warmly welcomed by many players who have complained about menu's lack of clarity on 4K displays.
Source: Xbox