If you've hopped on your Xbox lately, you've probably noticed "Xbox network" has seemingly replaced that what we once called "Xbox Live" overnight. But what is the Xbox network, and how does it differ from Xbox Live?

Let's break down the Xbox network and what it means for you.

What Is the Difference Between Xbox Live and the Xbox Network?

If you've poked around the Xbox network, you'll notice that it works just like Xbox Live did. That's because the Xbox network is simply a renamed version of Xbox Live.

As such, everything you could previously do with Xbox Live, you can do with the Xbox network. The name change also does not bring about any additional features, either; it's still the same old Xbox Live you know and love, just under an unfamiliar name.

Why Did Microsoft Rename Xbox Live to the Xbox Network?

At first glance, this seems like a pointless change for Microsoft to make. However, when we initially reported on Microsoft rebranding Xbox Live being to the Xbox Network, we included Microsoft's reasoning behind the name change.

As Microsoft said:

'Xbox network' refers to the underlying Xbox online service, which was updated in the Microsoft Services Agreement. The update from 'Xbox Live' to 'Xbox network' is intended to distinguish the underlying service from Xbox Live Gold memberships.

As such, the name change is little more than to aid people in distinguishing the difference between Xbox Live and Xbox Live Gold. Now, the Xbox network refers to the free, underlying service that Microsoft provides, and Xbox Live Gold is the paid version.

And before you ask, Microsoft has made no changes to Xbox Live Gold at the time of writing. This is presumably to reduce the amount of confusion that users would experience if both services had a name change.

Xbox Live Is Gone, Long Live Xbox Network

An Xbox One controller is held by two hands with painted nails.

While the update from Xbox Live to the Xbox network was sudden for some, there are no changes or differences from the service you already know; apart from the name, of course. Now you know what the Xbox network is, why the name change happened, and the state of Xbox Live Gold right now.

While Microsoft has hopefully solved this potential source of confusion once and for all, there's still the case of the Xbox Game Pass versus the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. If you don't know the difference between the two, you should check out the differences so you know exactly what you're getting for both.

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