Xbox dashboard UI update faces backlash for restricted home screen customization, too many ads or Game Pass suggestions & reduced pins

Xbox is quite a powerful and versatile gaming platform that offers numerous features that are ideal for gamers of all types. Microsoft frequently introduces tweaks and updates with the aim of enhancing the gaming experience.

For instance, the company has recently released an update for the dashboard UI on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, making it easier to connect with communities, find new games, and rediscover the old ones.

Microsoft claims that the new UI helps create a more personalized experience. However, it looks like some players are unhappy with the recent changes.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) multiple Xbox console owners are disappointed because they can no longer reorder or hide any of the default sections after the recent update.

The lack of customization options negatively affects user experience. Some have even taken a jibe at Microsoft and stated that reducing or taking away different customization options cannot be termed an ‘upgrade’.

Gamers also believe that the new update is an ‘unmitigated disaster’ and are upset that their feedback during the Preview Program has been mostly overlooked.

A player is sad because they now only have a limited set of options available for customizing the lower section of the Dashboard.

Another adds that they have never wanted to change their console, but after the recent update, they are thinking of switching to the PlayStation.

Those affected are now requesting the developers to restore the options to organize the Xbox Dashboard UI, so that they can customize it as per their own preferences.

It’s the worst version you’ve released. You just pasted sections from the game pass and store app all over the home screen and left us a little area for our stuff and not having it customizable is really a dumb move.
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@Microsoft @Xbox make the home screen customizable and give us an option for the original xbox 360 layout!
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Nonetheless, the worries of Xbox console owners don’t end here.

The surge of advertising and Game Pass recommendations on the main home screen has also sparked criticism.

Gamers (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) find it intrusive and distracting to see advertisements for games they have no interest in buying or have already subscribed to via the Game Pass.

They believe one shouldn’t be subjected to commercials of any kind if they are already paying for a subscription.

Players are also of the opinion that the advertising tiles should be removed from the home screen since they serve no benefit to them.

One of those impacted says that they would prefer seeing a single Game Pass menu instead of redundant Game Pass categories cluttering their home screen.

Why did you take my other groups from the home screen i just have two now rest of the home screen looks like an ad for gamepass.
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Get rid of the advertising tiles … There is absolutely no user benefit having them on the home screen.
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It’s noteworthy that console owners could previously pin multiple groups to the home screen. However, after the latest patch, they are limited to only two.

And by looking at the reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7), it appears that his change has not been well received by gamers as well.

Understandably, some are dissatisfied as they can no longer pin up to eight groups on the home screen as per their convenience.

Players have also questioned the point of removing this ability and adding clutter to the dashboard home screen.

They added all that clutter and at the same time only let you pin two groups to the home screen. I previously used groups to organize games by system and have them on the home screen.
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Having said that, we will keep an eye on this topic and update this article as soon as we come across anything noteworthy.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Gaming Section, so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Xbox.

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