Xbox update adds new Game Pass features, suspend game function, and more

Xbox has released a new system update for Series X/S and Xbox One consoles that adds some new features for Game Pass as well as a previously tested function that will let you suspend your current game to increase your download speeds.

Game Pass got the bulk of the attention in the latest update, with several new features that will make it easier to play with your friends and find the games you want to play. A new “Play with Friends” section on the Game Pass hub will show you what your friends are currently playing so you can either download the game or jump right into a multiplayer session with them.

Meanwhile, Game Pass’ other new features make the subscription-based service feel even more like the “Netflix of games.” New game recommendations will show you games you might like based on what you already played, and a new collections feature will sort games based on genre and style, if a certain mood should strike you when looking for a new game to play.

The other major feature launching with the update is the ability to suspend the game you are currently playing so that you can download a game faster, then unsuspend the game when you’re done downloading and pick up where you left off. This function was previously available to Xbox Insiders in the middle of March, and now it’s available to everyone.

The Xbox mobile app for iOS and Android also received some love with this latest update. You can now track your monthly achievement leaderboards on the app and see how you stack up against your friends’ progress. This update to the app is coming later this month, and Xbox is using it as a test run for more achievement-related functionality in the future.

What wasn’t included in the update is the ability to play free-to-play games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone without an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Xbox Insiders are currently testing that feature, and based on Xbox’s track record, that means we could see the change go into effect as early as the May system update.