Xbox is Testing a New Game Hub Feature Through Insider Skip Ahead Program

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Microsoft has commenced testing a fresh Game Hubs feature on Xbox via its Insider Program for beta testing. This new functionality is accessible to Xbox Insiders, enabling players to initiate their games by double-clicking the A button on their controllers.

As a gamer, I stumbled upon an exciting new development while browsing games from my home screen. Tom Warren, a fellow gaming enthusiast, showcased this feature in a YouTube video. The fresh addition is none other than the new Game Hub! Upon clicking to play any game, this hub greets me with a brand-new screen. Here, I can find a wealth of information about the game, such as a list of friends who share my interest in the same title. It also displays details on how long I’ve played and my progress towards Xbox Achievements.

With the updated interface offering more comprehensive information on each game, as Warren notes, it means players will need to press A more frequently to start a game. Instead of immediately starting games from the main menu, players will now be directed to an additional screen first before they can begin playing.

The video demonstrates that the latest Game Hub interface showcases a variety of add-ons (including expansions, smaller downloadable content packs, and microtransactions) which are conveniently displayed alongside the large play button. This suggests that the Game Hub was designed with the intention of providing a more straightforward method for publishers and developers to showcase new DLC offerings to players.

Warren points out that when you start a game from the recently played list in the sidebar, the Game Hub does not appear. This suggests that the Game Hub may only be accessible via the home screen and library screen for now, or alternatively, it could be a feature under development, and with future updates, it might also display from the recently played list.

It appears that the Game Hub feature is currently being tested early, as it’s only accessible to a select group of Xbox Insider Skip-Ahead testers at this time. However, it seems that a broader release may be planned for a future date.

Although software development for the Xbox Series X/S continues as usual, whispers suggest that Microsoft is secretly developing a portable Xbox gaming device. In early June, Microsoft plans to unveil an Xbox-branded handheld PC for gaming, which will likely rival devices such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.

Although specifics are yet undisclosed, whispers suggest that the upcoming system may adopt an Xbox-inspired aesthetic, complete with an Xbox-style guide button. Similar to other Microsoft devices, it’s anticipated that this portable system will operate on a customized Windows platform.

As a passionate gamer myself, I can’t help but get excited when hearing that Microsoft is indeed developing a handheld gaming system! In a recent update, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that prototypes are currently under development. But, as he mentioned, we gamers will have to wait a bit longer before getting our hands on this new device.

Regarding our perspective on Microsoft’s potential role as a gaming hardware manufacturer, let me share our reasoning: We strongly feel that with their upcoming strategies for console and handheld gaming devices, Microsoft might surprise the market by emerging as an unexpected contender in this field.

Microsoft is experimenting with a novel Xbox Game Hubs function for Xbox Insiders, which could necessitate a double press of the Xbox A button to initiate games in the near future. Here’s a brief explanation of how it operates: [YouTube video link] www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Em…

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 2025-03-25T10:20:14.559Z

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2025-03-25 16:41