Xbox is rolling out its November update with some exciting changes, and perhaps the biggest news is something old becoming new again – the return of friend requests! Yes, you heard that right: the classic way to build your gaming circle is back after being initially tested with Xbox Insiders in September.
The new social system gives players more control over their gaming relationships. You can now choose between being friends (which requires both players to agree) or simply following someone to keep up with their gaming activity. Don’t worry about your existing connections – they’ll automatically sort themselves out based on whether they were mutual or not.
But that’s not all. Xbox is making it easier to find your next gaming obsession with a clever new AI-powered search system. Want to find “cozy farming games with fishing” or “FPS games with zombies”? The search now understands what you’re looking for, even if you make typos or use emojis.
Windows PC gamers haven’t been forgotten either. The Xbox app is getting a refreshed Home experience that makes jumping back into recent games quicker, especially in Compact Mode. It brings together Game Pass content, store offerings, and personalized recommendations all in one spot.
For the hardware enthusiasts, there’s some particularly good news about controller maintenance. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 now has a thumbstick calibration tool, letting you fix minor responsiveness issues yourself instead of dealing with support calls or returns. You can even buy replacement parts for worn-out thumbsticks, paddles, and D-pads.
The update also brings more personalization options to Xbox consoles. Players can now create gamerpics from their achievement art or screenshots, and there’s more control over how background images are displayed.
For accessibility and customization fans, the update includes new mapping options for both the Elite Controller Series 2 and the Adaptive Controller, including the ability to map thumbsticks to buttons and even mouse inputs on PC.
