Discord has introduced a significant upgrade for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles, enhancing the platform’s integration with new features that Xbox Insiders can access immediately. These updates will soon be available globally for all Xbox users, marking a substantial improvement in the gaming and social experience on the platform.
Evolution of Discord on Consoles
Discord has grown to become one of the largest messaging and social platforms worldwide, maintaining a strong focus on the gaming community. Since its partnership with PlayStation in 2021, Discord has made several enhancements, including the addition of voice calls on PlayStation 5. This year, Xbox gamers will also benefit from these useful features directly on their consoles.
New Features for Xbox Insiders
On July 31, Discord announced that Xbox Insiders now have access to new features designed to streamline the Discord experience on Xbox consoles. The global rollout of these features will follow shortly.
- Integration of Discord Friends with Xbox Friends List:
- The Xbox friends list now includes Discord friends who are active in gaming and voice calls under a new “Happening now” section.
- From this section, users can join a Discord voice channel, watch a friend’s game stream, or start a call directly from their Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S console.
- Viewing Discord Streams on Xbox Consoles:
- Xbox gamers can now view Discord streams directly from their console.
- To watch a Discord stream, open the member list within the Xbox guide, select a profile, and choose the “Watch Stream” option.
- The stream will display in full-screen, with mute and volume control options available.
Enhancing the Discord Experience on Xbox
The primary goal of these new features is to eliminate the need for a smartphone or secondary device while using Discord on Xbox platforms. Players can now browse Discord friends’ activities and join directly from the console, allowing for a more integrated and seamless experience while playing their favorite games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Joining the Xbox Insider Program
Xbox Insiders regularly receive updates before they are rolled out globally. Those interested in experiencing these new features early can sign up by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub app on their console or Windows device. The Xbox Insider Twitter account also provides updates on upcoming alpha releases, and users are encouraged to provide feedback to improve updates and integrated apps like Discord.
Final Thoughts
This latest upgrade from Discord significantly enhances the social and gaming experience on Xbox consoles. With features that integrate Discord friends and streaming capabilities directly into the Xbox interface, players can look forward to a more cohesive and enjoyable gaming experience. As these features roll out globally, the integration of Discord on Xbox is set to become even more robust and user-friendly.
