Microsoft goes back and fixes their biggest mistake with the Xbox Friend System is a blessing in disguise

About a decade ago, Microsoft made a highly controversial decision to remove friend request functionality from Xbox consoles and replace it with a social media-style followers feed. For years, players have been asking Microsoft to bring back the original system, and now their prayers have finally been answered.

Friend request functionality is confirmed to be returning, but the followers system isn’t going anywhere. Microsoft plans to integrate both systems, but the new changes are designed to give players more control and flexibility. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Sony’s PS5 Pro announcement, with players speculating that Microsoft is targeting highly requested features to compete with PlayStation this time around.

Microsoft is bringing back the Xbox friend request system

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

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

As for the fans, it’s safe to say they were eagerly awaiting this update. The follower system felt out of place and made things much more complex.

I’ve always disliked the follower system so I’m glad this is coming back

— Arrrash (@Arrrrash) September 11, 2024

Yes, we do. We need this.

— ₿ubbz (@BubbzFiction) September 11, 2024

HUGE W!!!

— Oswald (@i_am_oswald) September 11, 2024

It feels like a throwback to the OG days

— EpicEntertainments (@TrueWaveVibe) September 11, 2024

Oh, this is great news

— EPIC TREASURE✮˚.⋆. ˁ🩷⋆.˚✮ (@EpictreasureX) September 11, 2024

Clayton announced that Alpha Skip-Ahead users on Xbox consoles and users who signed up for the PC Gaming Preview on Windows PC and handheld devices, Xbox Insiders, will be able to check out this new system for friends and followers.

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, allowing players to choose who can send them friend requests or who can follow their account, and what notifications they want to receive.

Fans are wondering if Microsoft added this much-requested feature after so many years just because PlayStation announced its latest console, the PS5 Pro. While Microsoft tries to acquire well-known developers, it’s hard to convince PlayStation fans to switch. By releasing these small updates, it seems Microsoft is now focusing on improving the overall player experience.

The PS5 Pro will provide stiff competition to the Xbox consoles. What Sony wants to do with the PS5 Pro is to provide players with a smooth console gaming experience, allowing them to play games with smooth frame rates and high-fidelity graphics. The highly anticipated console is set to release on November 7, 2024.

Do you think PlayStation’s newest console will impact Xbox console sales? Share your thoughts in the comments!