Microsoft has been putting a lot of effort into Xbox's 20th anniversary. The tech industry giant has treated fans to callbacks, a special live stream, more backward compatible Xbox games, and even Halo Infinite's early multiplayer release. Xbox has one last surprise in store for nostalgic fans, too, as the Xbox Series X now features a dynamic Xbox 360 background, which is available for free right now.
The new dynamic Xbox 360 background features the console's logo front and center, with pulsating green circles shifting around it. While the Xbox UI has evolved a lot in the last few decades, the dynamic background is reminiscent of the early Xbox 360 days, which laid the foundation for what the console family's UI would go on to become. It's a great homage to the system, especially during a time when so many fans are feeling nostalgic about the Xbox brand.
There are plenty of other options in the Xbox Series X's customization menu that are similarly exciting, too. For those playing the Halo Infinite multiplayer beta, there's a dynamic background of Master Chief that features a Pelican and beams of energy emerging from the Halo ring itself. It's more vibrant than the Xbox 360 background, though it doesn't quite provide the same dose of nostalgia. Of course, there are also the backgrounds that ship with the system, which offer their own, modern flair.
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Those looking for something with a decidedly classic feel can also opt for the original Xbox dynamic background, which Xbox released a few months back. That background features the green glob that's synonymous with the original Xbox, and was considered quite the treat when it first debuted. It's a bit more interesting visually, though everyone has their personal console preference. With Xbox backward compatibility support now broader than ever, though unfortunately no longer adding new games, it's a good way to relive the past.
Xbox has been pretty generous with its reveals and free offerings in celebration of its 20th anniversary. Ultimately, the dynamic Xbox 360 background is a relatively small piece of the pie, though it does raise the question of whether there are any more surprises in store for the year. The Game Awards is just a few weeks away now, and it seems likely that fans will get some sort of reveal or update from Xbox when it rolls around. After all, the brand has worked closely with organizer Geoff Keighley in the past, even revealing the Xbox Series X during a Game Awards presentation.
The Xbox 360 dynamic background is available for free.