July 2026 XBOX System Update Adds Longer Gamertags and New Artwork

The July 2026 XBOX System Update is now available for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX One, adding poster-style game artwork, longer Gamertags, interface controls, and new customization options, as True Achievements writes.

Microsoft previously tested several of these features through the June 2026 XBOX Insider update. Players can install the update from the console’s Settings menu.

XBOX Adds Poster-Style Game Artwork

Downloaded games in My games & apps can now display larger rectangular covers instead of the traditional square artwork.

To enable the new format, highlight a downloaded game, press the Menu button, open Customize games & apps, and select the poster-style artwork option.

The larger design gives game libraries a layout closer to physical game covers.

Players Can Hide Game Badges and Icons

Microsoft has added controls for several badges that appear over game artwork.

Players can hide:

• Game Pass and subscription labels
• The XBOX Series X|S Optimized icon
• Warning symbols for games that they no longer have permission to access

These options provide a cleaner and less cluttered game library.

XBOX Gamertags Now Support 15 Characters

XBOX Gamertags can now contain up to 15 Latin characters, increasing the previous 12-character limit.

Players can update their Gamertag by opening their XBOX profile and selecting Customize profile.

Home Screen Adds Service Alerts

The XBOX home screen can now display service alerts for multiplayer problems and other XBOX network outages.

Microsoft has also added a What’s New tab that lists features introduced through the latest console update.

These additions should make it easier to identify service problems without checking a separate support page.

New Profile and Theme Customization Options

Players can now enter a specific hex code when choosing their XBOX profile color. Console themes can also be customized while the XBOX remains offline.

When viewing another user’s profile, players may see mutual friends when the account’s privacy settings allow it.

Wishlist and Controller Improvements

Upcoming games can now be added to a Wishlist directly from their Game Cards.

The XBOX Accessories app can also identify the specific XBOX controller connected to the console, making accessory management easier when using multiple devices.

XBOX 360 Achievement Artwork Gets Updated

Microsoft has refreshed XBOX 360 achievement artwork with upscaled images displayed as sharper pixel blocks.

The change follows the XBOX 360 Game Card redesign introduced in June 2026.

XBOX Cloud Gaming Tests New Launch Artwork

Microsoft appears to be testing game artwork during XBOX Cloud Gaming launch screens instead of always displaying the standard XBOX logo animation.

The feature may not appear consistently for every player. Some users may still see a static XBOX logo, the rocket loading screen with a progress bar, or the traditional XBOX animation.

Additional XBOX Update Changes

The July 2026 update also includes smaller menu adjustments, general bug fixes, and performance improvements.

In other news, Microsoft wants to improve confusing XBOX save data warnings, while the company has also explained the removal of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 from the XBOX Game Pass.