Xbox is removing the Avatar Editor app from Xbox consoles and PCs, ending support for enhanced characters first introduced in 2018.
Xbox quietly announced the news on its own support page over the weekend, stating that the app will no longer be available as of January 9, 2025. The end of support for the Xbox Avatar Editor means that users will no longer be able to access Xbox Avatars or any of their purchased avatar items. Xbox says it will refund all Avatar purchases made between November 1, 2023 and January 9, 2025.
Xbox is notably ending support for avatars introduced as part of the 2018 Xbox Avatar Update, which were touted as being more detailed, expressive, and original than their Xbox 360 predecessors. Xbox says it will retain support for the simpler original Xbox avatars, which will continue will run on supported Xbox 360 games and will be available through the Xbox Original Avatars app.
Either way, avatars seem less and less essential these days. In its FAQ, Xbox said it was ending support due to “low engagement” and “a shift in focus towards providing experiences for other players,” noting that players can still personalize their experience with energetic backgrounds, profile colors, and other options.
Meanwhile, Xbox is looking to the future, including working on a dedicated handheld. Work is also underway on the next-generation successor.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s news director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Got a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
