Xbox is bringing back friend requests for the first time since the Xbox 360 era. This feature, which has been long-awaited by users, will be accessible to Xbox Insiders starting this week, as well as those who have joined the PC Gaming preview on Windows PC and handheld devices like the ROG Ally. Users will now be able to easily send, accept, or delete friend requests, making friends on Xbox a two-way, invite-approved relationship. Additionally, users can continue to separately follow their favorite creators on Xbox.
The reintroduction of friend requests on Xbox comes after more than a decade since they were first removed. The current system, where adding another user to your list makes them a follower until they reciprocate, has often left users feeling confused and disconnected. Without notifications, it can be challenging to keep track of friends on Xbox’s platforms.
The initial system, introduced more than ten years ago with the Xbox One, was not widely popular. Many users have expressed their desire for the return of friend requests, as it provided a simple and direct way to connect with players met online during the Xbox 360 era. One user lamented in 2018 about the lack of sustained notifications, highlighting the difficulty in knowing when someone has added you as a friend if you are not online to receive the notification.
According to Xbox’s announcement, existing friends and followers will automatically update with this change. If someone is not currently a friend, users can send them a request through the People tab. Xbox will also introduce new privacy and notification settings to manage friend requests. However, the company did not specify when this feature would be widely available to all users.
In the meantime, Xbox users can explore the best Xbox Series X|S games currently available to play. This update brings a new level of connectivity and interaction to the Xbox community, allowing users to easily connect with friends and stay updated on their favorite creators. The reintroduction of friend requests marks a significant step towards enhancing the social experience on Xbox platforms.
