Xbox is bringing back friend requests

Microsoft has announced plans to bring back friend requests on Xbox.

The feature was last used during the Xbox 360 generation, before being replaced with a social-media-style follower system when Xbox One launched in 2013.

An updated friends and followers experience will be made available this week to Xbox Insider members on the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring on consoles, and to users who signed up to the PC Gaming preview on PCs and handheld devices. They’ll be able to test that it’s working as intended before it’s rolled out to all players.

“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,” Microsoft said. “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.”

We’re re-introducing friend requests!

You will be able to send, accept, or delete friend requests, in addition to following or being followed by others.

We are testing with Xbox Insiders now and look forward to sharing more later this year on a full rollout. pic.twitter.com/dQCNEtGBtk

— Xbox (@Xbox) September 11, 2024

Existing friends and followers will update automatically, so players will remain friends with people who had previously also added them as a friend, while continuing to follow anyone who hadn’t.

On consoles, players will be able to manage their friends and followers by opening the Xbox guide and heading to the People tab. From there, they’ll be able to view existing friends, accept or delete new requests, or find other players and send requests of their own.

Microsoft launched the new Xbox Game Pass Standard plan this week. The service’s latest membership tier includes access to a back catalogue of hundreds of games and online console multiplayer, but no day one first-party releases or cloud gaming.

Replacing the now retired Game Pass for Console tier, the Standard plan is available for $14.99 / £10.99 per month.