The original Xbox background is now a free dynamic theme on Series X and S

Long-time fans of the Xbox can now relive the old days by applying the original Xbox background to their Xbox Series X or S.

The dynamic background was added as part of the May 2021 system update for Xbox One.

Although the update notes on the official Xbox Wire blog only state that another dynamic background called Motes has been added, Twitter user Klobrille discovered that the old-school background is in there too, under the name The Original.

To get the new background, players have to ensure their Xbox is updated to the latest system software, then go to Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic background, where they’ll find The Original at the end of the list.

The background was first spotted last week on Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb’s Xbox podcast, where it could be seen on his TV. This led to fans asking how he had the theme and whether it was coming.

The original Xbox launched in May 2001, meaning this year is its 20th anniversary. It’s not yet clear if Microsoft is planning any further surprises to celebrate the occasion.

Last year the source code for the original Xbox console reportedly leaked online. It included the kernel for the operating system on the original console, a custom version of Windows 2000.

However, it’s claimed that this data has been privately shared among enthusiasts previously, which suggests that it will unlikely have significant implications for the homebrew scene.