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Xbox updates Twitch functionality with new features

Xbox and Twitch have partnered to simplify the streaming process on the hybrid console.

Donovan Erskine

February 23, 2022 8:20 AM

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Livestreaming to Twitch can be tricky to get into if you don’t have a decent computer setup and a reliable internet service to pair with it. However, Xbox has tried to make the process a bit easier by providing a way for players to directly stream from their consoles without any special equipment or programs. Now, a new update brings Twitch streaming to the Xbox Dashboard along with a few new features.

Xbox announced the new update to its Twitch integration in a post to Xbox Wire. Partnering with Twitch, this new update brings Twitch back to the Xbox Dashboard. Now, players can begin their stream by navigating to the Capture and Share tab of the Xbox Guide, no longer needing to open the Twitch application. Stream settings can also be adjusted from here. Players can change their stream name, toggle their microphone, and tweak their camera options.

One of the bigger issues that players experienced when streaming directly from their Xbox consoles was problems with bitrate. From the Xbox Guide, players can adjust their resolution and bitrate on the fly.

In the past, Twitch had some light integration into the Xbox Guide, though it was replaced by Mixer when Microsoft was pushing that service. With Mixer now out of the picture, Twitch has stepped back into the spotlight as the featured streaming option on Xbox. Microsoft also announced that players can expect more features and changes to the service down the road following their feedback.

Xbox’s new Twitch integration is available now and is free to owners of both Series X/S and Xbox One consoles. For more on the changes coming to both Xbox and Twitch, stick with us here on Shacknews.

Donovan Erskine

News Editor

Donovan is a young journalist from Maryland, who likes to game. His oldest gaming memory is playing Pajama Sam on his mom's desktop during weekends. Pokémon Emerald, Halo 2, and the original Star Wars Battlefront 2 were some of the most influential titles in awakening his love for video games. After interning for Shacknews throughout college, Donovan graduated from Bowie State University in 2020 with a major in broadcast journalism and joined the team full-time. He is a huge Scream nerd and film fanatic that will talk with you about movies and games all day. You can follow him on twitter @Donimals_