Summary
Microsoft is preparing to roll out a new update forXboxconsole owners, one which might improve the experience of updating an installed game on the Xbox Series X/S. TheXboxconsole update is being tested via Microsoft’s Xbox Insider program.
The modern game environment is one of constant updates and iteration. As all but the smallest retro consoles can be expected to connect to the internet these days, publishers, developers, and platform makers continuously release updates through patches, hotfixes, and scheduled additions for players to download. Even older games can get updates that significantly change the way they play. For example,Fallout 4received an update to improve its performanceon hardware and consoles that didn’t exist when the game first released.
The latest Xbox console update might make the experience of managing a game’s updates a little more convenient for Xbox Series X/S owners. According to apost on the Xbox support page, Microsoft is testing a new update that will introduce pre-downloading game updates, or downloading of the majority of an installed game’s files and data to a player’s hardware before that data is officially released and usable. This will allow games that support the feature to download necessary files early. Then, players can immediately install updates on release day and more quickly begin playing. These may include periodic updates to live service titles, likeFortniteChapter 5 Season 2, but the first game that will support update pre-loading isSea of Thieves, via the game’s own Insider program.
Microsoft’s Xbox system update is available through the Xbox Insider Program, within the program’s exclusive Alpha Ring. The Xbox Insider Alpha Ring puts new system updates and features through closed alpha testing and is only open to those invited by Microsoft itself. Larger Xbox Insider Program testing rings may receive the update later as bugs are worked out and the update moves from alpha into beta phase. Microsoft’s post did not specify when the update would be released to the wider population. Previous Xbox system updates have included fixes to bugs and alterations to the user experience. Themost recent Xbox system updatewas mainly focused on fixing audio issues when playing.
The pre-loading feature is common on both consoles and PC in the realm of digital games, where players can start downloading game files before their release date in order to be able to play as soon as possible after they’re officially launched. The increasing size ofblockbuster video games likeMarvel’s Spider-Man 2and others necessitates pre-loading as a convenience feature for players who may have slower internet connections or limited time in which to download games. It makes sense that that convenience be extended to updates, too, as they balloon in size.
System Update Details
New Features and Experiences
We have exciting news! Xbox Insiders can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.
Update Pre-Download
Games that enable support for update pre-download will allow updates to be downloaded days before they are scheduled to release, so you can jump in and start playing right when the update goes live!
Be on the lookout for the for first updates to start taking advantage of this new option by checking My games & apps > Manage > Updates.
Hint: The first title that has enabled this feature isSea of ThievesInsider!
Experience Changes
Please be aware this Xbox Update Preview includes the following experience or feature updates.
Manage Wireless Networks
Fixes Included
Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:
Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s ninth-generation console, the Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that can support 4K resolution and 60 fps, depending on the game. Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Series X has a Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.
