

If you have booted up your Xbox already today, you might notice it looking a little different. That's because Microsoft is rolling out an update to the home screen.
With Xbox Live being replaced by Game Pass Core, it's only right that the console's interface gets a makeover too. Not all users will have received the update yet, but it started rolling out on the 26th of July, it may take "a few weeks" for everyone to get up to date.
In a blog post Ivy Krislov, Senior Product Manager Lead, Xbox Experiences detailed what we can expect to see. The updated home screen will feature a new quick access menu to switch between the "Library, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, Search, and Settings" in moments. If you're looking for recommendations on your next favourite title, the new home menu will also feature "lists of games curated and personalized for you." Non-gaming content can be speedily accessed via a Watch & Listen spotlight and list of entertainment apps."
Early images do suggest it is a lot less cluttered than the previous home screen menu, which can only be a good thing. Best of all it will be coming to all Xbox Series X and Series S consoles as well as Xbox One.
Game Pass Core is more than just a name change and a redesign though. As well as the usual access to online multiplayer, subscribers will also receive access to a number of Game Pass titles (over 25), including some big-name franchises including Doom: Eternal, Dishonored 2 and Forza Horizon 4. Unfortunately the "Games with Gold" monthly free games programme will disappear but in all honestly, the offerings were often laughably poor. Besides, it has been confirmed that the games available with Xbox Game Pass Core will be added to around 2-3 times a year. Despite these changes (and the UI upgrade), the service will remain the same monthly price as Xbox Live Gold ($9.99/£9.99).
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
MSI Stealth 18 HX AI review: THE killer gaming laptop right now
MSI's Stealth 18 HX AI is a slim beast with chunky power
-
My PS5 Pro might be wasted on this stunning new game
Doom's upgrades are mid
-
I'm quietly certain my PS5 Pro purchase will be a GTA 6 essential
Hope you didn't miss this
-
My favourite game of all time is back, and I can't stop playing
This is THE game for me, and it looks unreal
-
Xbox Game Pass has been great, but May's free games are the best I've ever seen
It's a great time to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, that's for sure
-
Microsoft intros two new Surface devices at more affordable price points
One has the longest battery life of any Surface so far
-
Xbox's first official handheld revealed in major image leak, and it's not what we expected
Project Kennan has appeared in an FCC filing – also suggests that it could be coming soon
-
Xbox Series X/S – how to beat the brutal price hike
Xbox is raising its prices globally, but you can still get deals if you're quick