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27 June 2026

New Xbox Insider Updates: Longer Gamertags and Xbox 360 Achievements

Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring are now testing new features that include longer gamertags and improved Xbox 360 achievement displays, making it easier to stay connected to your gaming history and friends.

New Xbox Insider Updates: Longer Gamertags and Xbox 360 Achievements

The Xbox Insider Program is rolling out exciting new features for members in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring. These updates are designed to enhance your gaming experience by making it easier to manage your gamertag achievements, and wishlists. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Xbox ecosystem, these changes aim to streamline your interaction with the platform.

Starting today, Xbox Insiders can preview these new features, which include the ability to create longer gamertags view Xbox 360 achievements in game hubs, and add games to your wishlist directly from the game card. These updates are part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make the Xbox experience more personalized and user-friendly.

Longer Gamertags for More Personalization

One of the most anticipated updates is the expansion of gamertag character limits. Xbox Insiders can now create unique gamertags up to 15 characters long, an increase from the previous 12-character limit. This change applies to gamertags that are unique and available, giving you more flexibility to express your individuality.

However, it’s important to note that gamertags that are not unique or contain non-Latin characters will still have a suffix and will continue to support up to 12 characters. This ensures that the system remains fair and accessible to all users. If you’re considering changing your gamertag, it’s worth waiting for the broader rollout to avoid any potential issues.

Enhanced Xbox 360 Achievement Displays

Another significant update is the addition of game hubs in game cards for Xbox 360 games. Now, when you open the game card for any installed Xbox 360 game, you can quickly view your achievement progress, captures, and other useful information. This makes it easier to track your accomplishments and revisit your favorite games from the past.

Additionally, detailed achievement popups are now available from any Xbox 360 game’s achievement list in your profile. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for achievement hunters who want to keep track of their progress and celebrate their milestones. It’s a small but meaningful step towards integrating the rich history of Xbox 360 into the modern Xbox experience.

Play with Cloud Gaming During Updates

If you’re tired of waiting for game updates to finish before you can start playing, the new cloud gaming feature is here to help. When a game requires an update and is available to stream through your Game Pass membership, you can start playing immediately with cloud gaming. This feature allows you to queue your game to update while you play, ensuring that you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your games.

You can also launch games directly from the game card when they are installing or updating, making the process even more seamless. This is a game-changer for those who value their time and want to minimize interruptions in their gaming experience.

Easier Wishlist Management

Managing your wishlist just got easier with the new update. You can now add both released and upcoming games to your wishlist directly from the game card. This feature makes it simple to keep track of the titles you’re interested in and ensures that you never miss out on a game you’ve been looking forward to.

Combined with recent wishlist improvements, this update helps make the game card a one-stop shop for saving and managing your favorite games. It’s a small but significant step towards a more organized and personalized gaming experience.

These updates are currently available to Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring, with plans to roll them out to additional rings in the future. If you’re not already part of the Xbox Insider Program, now is a great time to join and help shape the future of Xbox. Download the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC to get started.

For more information and to share your feedback, visit the Xbox Insider SubReddit or follow Xbox Insider on Twitter. Your input is valuable in helping Microsoft refine these features and create a better gaming experience for everyone.

Author

Florence Wright

Florence Wright, Glasgow native with an editorial-minimal aesthetic, rerouted a social feed to live-cover a Pollok Park remembrance event, prioritising human detail over algorithmic reach. Promotes clarity, humane framing and local resonance; keeps an archive of Polaroids from neighbourhood gatherings as a personal emblem.