One of the new interface features included in the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S was the addition of dynamic backgrounds, allowing for smooth and eye-catching movement to bring your TV's screen to life. This touch of personalization is something many users appreciate, so let's go over all the details so you can get your console ready.
What are dynamic backgrounds?
Unlike the traditional wallpapers we've seen on Xbox One until now, dynamic wallpapers are wallpapers that move. If you prefer a solid color or artwork from a particular game, you can still choose these static images without any problem; however, it's impossible not to be drawn to the dynamism of moving wallpapers.
Can I use a dynamic background on Xbox One?
No. Dynamic backgrounds are exclusive to the new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, so if you're still on the previous generation Xbox One for now, we're sorry to tell you that you won't be able to configure this type of customization. At least, yes, you will be able to continue customizing the background with images to your liking, fixed-color backgrounds or images obtained from the art of the games you have installed.
How to select a dynamic background
To choose a dynamic background you must access the settings of your console and follow the steps below to reach the list of available backgrounds.
- Access the configuration menu of your console. You can do it directly by pressing the Guide button and selecting the option Configuration in your profile tab.
- Within the General section, select the option Personalization. This is where the aesthetic adjustments that affect the system menus can be applied.
- Since in this case we want to change the type of background, we are going to select the “My background” option to see the available options.
- On the next screen you will find the options available to customize the background of your Xbox menu. They are the following:
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- Game art and solid color: Here we can select a solid color that will color the background of the main menu. A simple and uncomplicated option that will give a personalized touch of color to your menu.
- achievement image: Select any of the backgrounds that bring to life the achievements obtained in your games.
- custom image: You can connect a USB stick and browse the content to select a personal photo and place it at the bottom of the main menu, just like you would on a computer.
- Screenshot: Select any of the screenshots you have taken so far on your console. If there's a moment in a game that you particularly liked, now is the time to show it off on your home screen.
- dynamic backgrounds: This is the option we are looking for in this tutorial, since here we can choose the moving backgrounds that arrive installed on the console. Unfortunately it is not possible to use videos or personal animations to animate the backgrounds, so you will have to select from one of the 9 options that are available so far.
Remember the good old days with the Xbox background
A recently introduced novelty is the dynamic background inspired by the original Xbox. Those users who were able to enjoy the first Microsoft console will surely remember that system boot in which a green bubble brought the Xbox logo to life. That green bubble was the wallpaper for the main menu, so Redmond wanted to pay tribute to it by including it in the list of dynamic backgrounds on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
That Matrix-style aesthetic (very typical for the time) caught the attention of many users, including those who had a PlayStation in their possession. The rest is history, and today it is considered one of the most striking menus of the time.
At the moment the background is only available to users of the Xbox Insider beta program under the name "The Original", but soon it should reach all users of the platform, so if you can't find it for now it will be a matter of time until it appears in the customization options.
Can I use a video as an Xbox background?
It is not possible to use videos or moving images to decorate the wallpaper of your console. The only option available is to select one of the nine available options that so far appear in the Dynamic Backgrounds menu. A good option would be for Microsoft to allow you to install custom animated backgrounds based on short clips, but at the moment this option doesn't exist. We imagine the feature will be more complex than it might appear.