- Xbox September update as console to Discord streaming.
- Variable Refresh Rate customization options for Series X and S.
- New Rewards tab, ask to join game option, voice reporting, easier controller pairing, and more.
Microsoft is preparing the September 2023 updates of its Xbox consoles, including the Series X, S, and One, with new features and enhancements.
According to the official announcements, the Xbox September 2023 update adds the ability to stream games from Xbox to Discord, a new place to view and redeem rewards, changes for the Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for Series X and S consoles, and enhancements to the pairing system, and more.
Xbox September update new features
These are the new features and changes rolling out with the September 2023 update for Xbox consoles.
Stream to Discord
As part of this rollout, you can now stream gameplay directly from your Xbox to Discord using the new “Stream your game” option.
If you want to use the new streaming feature, link your Discord account, join the channels from your Discord servers from the game console, press the “Xbox” button on the controller, choose “Parties & chats,” and select “Discord.” Then scroll through your available Discord servers, jump into a voice channel with friends, and share your gameplay.
Variable Refresh Rate customization
The Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for Xbox Series X and S is also getting an update to allow you to decide when to enable the feature since even though it gives you a smooth, artifact-free experience while you game, you may not necessarily want to use VRR while watching entertainment.
You can change the VRR from General > TV & display options > Video, and from the Variable Refresh Rate, choose “Always On,” “Gaming Only,” or “Off.”
Rewards tab
The September 2023 update also adds a new “Rewards” tab to find your rewards. You will now have to press the “Xbox” button, choose “Profile & system,” select your profile, and then select “My Rewards.”
Furthermore, the company notes that you can now find the Redeem Rewards catalog directly from the Rewards tab.
Join request
Also, from your friend’s profile, it’s possible to request to join the game with the “Ask to join game” option. After sending the request, your friend will receive a notification of your request to join, and they can respond to you with a game invite, a party invite, or a message.
Voice reporting
As part of this update, Microsoft is adding a voice-reporting feature that allows you to capture and report inappropriate in-game voice chats to the Xbox Safety Team for review.
The feature is currently available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Microsoft Store for Xbox
The Microsoft Store can now give you a notification when a new item in your wish list becomes available. You can control this action from Settings > Preferences > Store notifications and configure the settings.
Xbox controller pairing
Starting with the Xbox September 2023 update, you no longer have to walk to the console and push the pair button. If you have a new controller, you can now open the Xbox Accessories app and use the new “Connect a Device” option to start the pairing process.
The Xbox September 2023 update is rolling out soon to every console worldwide. However, if you can’t wait until it’s available to you automatically, you can force the update on Settings > System > Updates > Update console and tap the “Start update” button.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.