Xbox is bringing back startup animations from its console history

<figure> <img alt="Vector collage of the Xbox logo." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25485114/STK048_XBOX2__A.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Microsoft is starting to test some new Xbox console features with Insiders. Testers will be able to try out custom Xbox boot animations from the past, more personalization options for badges, a new local search feature, improved Remote Play quality, the ability to download while you play on cloud, and clearer voice chat.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Xbox testers will be able to pick between the original Xbox One boot screen, the Xbox One X startup animation, the original Xbox Series X / S boot, and the new <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/925110/new-xbox-logo-boot-animation">"we are Xbox" boot animation</a>. Unfortunately you won't be able to select the original Xbox or Xbox 360 boot animations, it's only Xbox One onwards.</p> <img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/1.-Startup-animation-3556b14f2bb0ba04f6ac.png?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;You will soon be able to customize the Xbox boot animation.&lt;/em&gt; | Image: Microsoft" data-portal-copyright="Image: Microsoft"><img src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/2.-Local-text-filter-de857c8012a1ec2306e7-1536x864-1.png?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="&lt;em&gt;The new local search feature.&lt;/em&gt; | Image: Microsoft" data-portal-copyright="Image: Microsoft"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new local sea …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/992269/xbox-custom-boot-animation-local-search-voice-clarity-features">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>