Microsoft signals unified Xbox interface across console, PC, handheld and cloud gaming

Micrososources is working on a more consistent user interface across its Xbox ecosystem, aiming to make the experience feel familiar on console, PC, handheld devices and cloud gaming.

The effort was highlighted by Jason Ronald, Xbox’s vice president of “next generation,” during a Game Developers Conference keynote in March. A more detailed look emerged asourceser Micrososources published a video of the keynote.

Aiming to reduce fragmentation

Ronald said players have noticed “a lot of fragmentation” across devices, and that the team has been working behind the scenes to deliver a UI that remains “distinctly Xbox” regardless of where people play.

What looks different

Images from the keynote suggest the Xbox console home screen has been adjusted, including the user profile appearing in the top right and three ad slots along the bottom, down from the usual four. The same overall layout is shown on a handheld device.

The PC app shown in Micrososources’s materials appears closer to the newer Xbox Cloud Gaming interface, which has moved toward a more console-like look with updated animations, a dedicated library section and rounded design elements. Ronald noted the UI would not be identical on every device because Micrososources is factoring in screen sizes and input methods.

Micrososources also showed what appears to be a new Xbox store on Windows. The company declined to comment on the UI and store changes.