Microsoft Updates Xbox 360, Adds Xbox Series X/S Adverts

There's a brand new update for your Xbox console — but probably not the one you're expecting.

If you still have an Xbox 360 plugged in, Microsoft has issued a fresh system patch that makes a couple of tweaks to the aging console's main dashboard — most notably, the addition of a big advert for Xbox Series X/S.

Microsoft now seems keen for anyone still using an Xbox 360 to leave the classic console behind, with adverts showing the company's range of Xbox Series X/S models alongside the suggestion that users "upgrade today" to "experience next-gen performance." Shouldn't that technically be next-next-gen?

The update even provides a handy QR code to scan, so you can quickly load up the Microsoft Store and browse the company's recently-increased console prices.

Microsoft finally shut down the Xbox 360's Marketplace last year, stripping out Xbox 360 dashboard elements linked to the store in the process. Today's update makes the whole thing look a little neater.

Happy to stick with the Xbox 360? The update also includes a welcome fix for the console's main game tile, which previously displayed stretched artwork.

Xbox 360 turns the ripe old age of 20 later this year, having originally launched on November 22, 2005. But while Microsoft has long since moved on from the console, it's seemingly aware there are still some owners with the veteran console plugged in.

Response to the surprise update has been positive for those still making use of their Xbox 360 consoles. "Finally it looks better!" wrote one fan on reddit. "At least it doesn’t look depressing anymore," wrote another.

"I had to jump on and see if myself," wrote a third user. "It is why I love Xbox. They could have easily left us with a s****y dashboard. But they listened. They didn’t have to do it but they did."

Earlier this month, Xbox lifted the lid on the next Xbox-branded bit of hardware, the handheld Xbox Ally X from Asus, and here's everything you need to know. It's also working on brand new, next-gen consoles, although we don't have a release window yet.

Image credit: Trackwalker

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social