Microsoft Going Back and Fixing Their Biggest Mistake With Xbox Friend System is a Blessing in Disguise

Roughly a decade ago, Microsoft made a very controversial decision to get rid of its friend request functionality from its Xbox consoles, replacing it with a social media-styled followers feed instead. For many years, players have been asking Microsoft to bring back the original system, and now, finally, their prayers have been heard.

It has been confirmed that the friend request functionality is returning but the followers system isn’t going anywhere. Microsoft plans to integrate both these systems but the new changes will make sure players have more control and flexibility. This announcement comes shortly after Sony’s PS5 Pro announcement, players speculate that Microsoft is focusing on highly-requested features to compete with PlayStation this time.

Microsoft Is Bringing Back The Xbox Friend Request System

In a post on the Xbox Wire Blog, Klarke Clayton, the Senior Product Manager for Player Experience and Platform, revealed that the friend request system is finally coming back. The post said,

We’re thrilled to announce the return of friend requests! Now, you can easily send, accept, or delete friend requests, making it simpler to connect with others. Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility. Meanwhile, following someone remains a one-way connection, allowing you to stay updated with their shared content, whether it’s another player, club, or game.

As for the fans, it’s safe to say that they have been eagerly waiting for this update. The followers system felt out of place and made things far more complex.

I’ve always disliked the follower system so glad to see this come back

— Arrrash (@Arrrrash) September 11, 2024

Yesss. We need this.

— ₿ubbz (@BubbzFiction) September 11, 2024

HUGE W!!!

— Oswald (@i_am_oswald) September 11, 2024

Feels like a throwback to the OG days

— EpicEntertainments (@TrueWaveVibe) September 11, 2024

Oh this is great news

— EPICTREASURE✮˚.⋆. ݁🩷⋆.˚✮ (@EpictreasureX) September 11, 2024

Clayton revealed that Alpha Skip-Ahead users on Xbox consoles, and users that have joined the PC Gaming preview on Windows PCs and handheld devices, Xbox Insiders will be able to view this new friends and followers system.

Microsoft Is Also Adding New Privacy And Notification Settings

In the same post, Clayton also revealed that Microsoft is introducing new privacy and notification settings to allow players to choose who can send them friend requests or follow their account and which notifications they receive.

Fans wonder if Microsoft decided to add this highly-requested feature after so many years just because PlayStation announced its latest console, PS5 Pro. Although Microsoft is attempting to buy well-known developers, it’s hard to convince PlayStation fans to switch. By rolling out these small updates, it seems like Microsoft is now focusing on improving the overall player experience.

The PS5 Pro will provide stiff competition to the Xbox consoles. What Sony aims to do with the PS5 Pro is to provide players with a smooth console gaming experience, allowing them to run games at smooth framerates as well as high-fidelity graphics. The highly-anticipated console will be released on November 7th, 2024.

Do you think PlayStation’s latest console will affect Xbox consoles’ sales? Share your views in the comments!