Xbox Series X gets a new 4K console

Microsoft began testing a new dashboard for the Xbox Series X today. Xbox Insiders at Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead will have access to the increased resolution of the Xbox Dashboard later today, which is designed to improve UI elements for 4K displays.

“This change means that the home page, guide and other areas of the user interface will be displayed in a higher native resolution for increased clarity and text reading.” Microsoft’s Xbox test team says.

Until this new 4K dashboard, Xbox Series X consoles powered the dashboard components at 1080p. The original 4K home, guide, and other parts of the dashboard will dramatically improve the way Xbox Series X consoles appear on 4K TVs.

It’s still unclear whether HDR will be supported as part of the new device’s resolution as well, and whether the Xbox Series S will see dashboard resolution improvements as well. Small Xbox Series S consoles can technically output 4K resolution, so this console can see dashboard improvements as well.

The changes to the new Xbox dashboard come just days after Microsoft also started testing a new night mode profile for various Xbox consoles. A new night mode allows Xbox owners to dim screens, light up console LEDs, and even the Xbox power button. The 4K Dashboard and Night Mode are expected to go live on all Xbox Series X consoles later this year.