Xbox is currently developing an innovative dashboard feature that will allow users to blend dynamic backgrounds with static game art while navigating through their games and apps. Presently, if static game art is set as the background and a user hovers over a game or app lacking specific art, the default Xbox background is displayed.
One of the standout features introduced with the launch of Xbox Series X and S consoles was the inclusion of new backgrounds. These consoles permit users to momentarily view game art of the selected title as the background before moving on to the next. Additionally, dynamic, motion-based backgrounds have been a significant addition, with Xbox offering numerous free options since the consoles' debut in 2020. Noteworthy titles like Halo Infinite, Hi-Fi Rush, Starfield, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the forthcoming Dead Space remake in 2023, and Cyberpunk 2077 have all provided dynamic backgrounds to Xbox players at no cost.
The Verge's Tom Warren disclosed that Xbox is trialing a new feature that allows gamers to utilize dynamic backgrounds alongside static game art to prevent the default Xbox background from appearing when the latter option is enabled. Warren illustrated this in a brief video posted on Twitter. By starting on the Xbox Support app with a visible dynamic background, Warren scrolled to Fallout 4, causing the game art (power armor in a garage) to replace the dynamic background before continuing to the Xbox Media Hub, where the dynamic background reappeared. This functionality will be compatible with all types of Xbox's dynamic backgrounds.
Xbox Dashboard Update to Enable Seamless Integration of Dynamic Backgrounds and Static Game Art
It remains to be seen whether this feature will be released independently or as part of a more extensive Xbox UI update in the future. A persistent issue with the Xbox UI is the surplus of home tiles dedicated to advertisements, primarily for Xbox Game Pass promotions. Many Xbox users are hopeful that Microsoft will reduce the number of dashboard ads, potentially freeing up space for more practical features. There is ample room below the home screen for advertisements without encroaching on the primary set of tiles.
As major first-party Xbox games like the upcoming Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment are set to be released, Xbox fans can anticipate corresponding dynamic backgrounds accompanying these titles. Given that this background enhancement is not a substantial modification, it might arrive on Xbox consoles sooner rather than later.