Xbox March Update Brings New Console Features and Cloud Games

Microsoft just dropped the details for its March Xbox update. The company is testing a bunch of fresh features with its Xbox Insiders before rolling them out to everyone else. If you like keeping your gaming setup organized, you will enjoy the new dashboard tools. You can also look forward to massive cloud gaming upgrades, fresh background art, and some exciting hardware news from the recent Game Developers Conference.

There are dashboard tweaks and quick resume control

Let us start with the home screen. You can now pin up to ten different groups to keep your favorite games and apps exactly where you want them. The update also includes a custom color feature so you can truly personalize your system theme. To top it off, new dynamic backgrounds featuring games like Sea of Thieves and Towerborne are now available for your console.

Another huge request finally made the cut. You can now turn off Quick Resume for specific games. This is perfect for online multiplayer titles that always disconnect or glitch out when you leave them running in the background.

Your profile navigation is getting a minor bump, too, as the guide will now show off your five most recently earned badges.

Massive cloud gaming upgrades

Microsoft is expanding its cloud service in a big way. The company allows you to stream over one thousand owned games directly from your library to supported devices. It also added more games to the Handheld Compatibility Program. This makes finding titles that play well on portable screens much easier.

If you prefer different control setups, you will find over 190 games now support a mouse and keyboard through the cloud. Over 260 titles also feature custom touch controls for mobile play.

It also gives a sneak peek at Project Helix

During the Game Developers Conference, Microsoft shared an early preview of Project Helix. The company describes it as a next-generation console built to run both standard console games and PC games. While we wait for more details on that specific hardware, a dedicated Xbox mode for Windows 11 devices will start rolling out in April.