The new Xbox Series X update will help make its visual aesthetics less boring.

Unlike the PS5, which underwent a major overhaul of its home screen (or dashboard, as some call it), the new Xbox model has only modest tweaks. In our review of the Xbox Series X, we mentioned that its interface was "almost identical to the Xbox One". That changed a bit with the new Xbox update in November 2020.

As announced on the Xbox Wire blog, the new update adds a "dynamic background" that inserts movement and color into the console's home screen. six options are available, and Microsoft says these include: these options include include "homages to previous generations of Xbox consoles and those based on popular profile themes," Microsoft said.

The company set expectations a bit higher, noting that "initial fan feedback on this feature has been very positive." The post added that more dynamic backgrounds will be coming in the future and will feature "additional styles, colors, and designs."

The Xbox Series X and S feature an Auto HDR setting that enhances older games encoded for standard dynamic range; in the November 2020 update, the Auto HDR tag appears when opening the guide while playing a game that supports this feature, It is now easy to know when a game is using this tool.

Another tweak to the update is the addition of the "X|S" badge to legacy titles in the game library that have been updated and optimized for the new generation of consoles. Microsoft cites Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps as examples.

An achievement progress tracker will be added to the "Game Activity" tab of the guide, and this section will also make it easier to see which other users are playing the game you are in and if there are any active events taking place.

Additionally, the Xbox Series X/S setup now includes a new option for adding family profiles to the console.