New Xbox update lets you make your gamertag longer so it “feels like you” — backwards compatible Xbox 360 games and Cloud Gaming got some huge buffs, too
Microsoft is rolling out a new Xbox update with several quality-of-life improvements aimed at enhancing the gaming platform. The headline feature allows players to use longer gamertags, offering greater personalization for their online identities.
Beyond customization, the update introduces significant enhancements to Xbox Cloud Gaming, including the ability to continue playing games via the cloud while your console or PC undergoes system updates. This addresses a long-standing friction point and ensures players can maintain uninterrupted gaming during maintenance windows.
The update also delivers major improvements to backwards compatible Xbox 360 games, reflecting Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to preserving and optimizing its library of legacy titles. These enhancements enable older games to perform better on modern hardware.
This release is part of Microsoft’s broader platform improvements in recent months, including a redesigned Achievements system, visual UI updates, and expanded customization options. The update is currently available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring of the Xbox Insider Program, with a full rollout to all users expected to follow soon.