Xbox gamertags are getting a major upgrade as Microsoft rolls out new console features to Xbox Insiders.
Notably, players in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring can preview these options starting today.
Additionally, the tech giant plans to expand the update to more testing rings soon.
The biggest highlight of this update brings back support for longer names.
Specifically, Microsoft is expanding unique Xbox gamertags to 15 characters, up from the previous 12-character limit.
However, this change only applies to unique and available names.
In contrast, non-unique names that require a numeric suffix will still max out at 12 characters.
Microsoft Expands Xbox gamertags to 15 Characters
Retro Achievements and Hubs Return
Furthermore, retro gaming fans have a new reason to celebrate.
Microsoft is adding dedicated game hubs for installed Xbox 360 titles.
As a result, players can quickly view achievement progress, capture clips, and check detailed achievement profiles.
Also, these hubs will live directly inside the game cards on the dashboard.
Additionally, clicking any Xbox 360 achievement now opens a detailed popup card on your console profile.
Play With Cloud While Updating Games
Meanwhile, a new cloud streaming feature aims to eliminate download waiting times.
If an update blocks your game, you can start streaming it immediately via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Notably, this option only works for titles available in the Xbox Game Pass library.
Still, playing while waiting for downloads represents a massive convenience upgrade, especially when testing new setups with the best budget gaming controllers.
Additionally, this feature aligns with Microsoft’s recent push toward cloud-centric hardware, such as the leaked Xbox Cloud Gaming controller.
Easily Save Games From the Game Card
Finally, wishlist management is getting simpler.
Users can now add both released and upcoming games to their wishlists directly from game cards.
For example, this change turns the game card into a single place to track titles you want to play.
By comparison, the new system saves several steps compared to navigating the store menus.
Xbox Insiders can check the official Xbox Wire post for the full release details.
