“Next Generation” Avatars are being retired across Xbox and PC on January 9th

While it’s nothing like losing the entire Xbox 360 Marketplace, Xbox Game Studios announced late last week that another Xbox offering will soon be retired. The “Next Generation” of Avatars first made available on Xbox One in 2018 will become inaccessible starting January 9th, 2025. Ironically, the original Xbox 360 Avatars from a decade earlier will continue to be available since they are technically playable in several games on 360. It’s a confusing situation and that’s part of the reasons that the renewed Avatars are being phased out.

The FAQ addresses a few specific concerns and promises refunds of any Avatar items purchased from last November through January 9th, 2025. As to why this is happening, the FAQ explains that the decision was based on “low engagement” which just might apply equally to players who rarely used the newer Avatars and the publishers whose output of Avatar items trailed off quickly. Looking at the store today, the latest items on offer all come from the Xbox team and represent Forza, Starfield, and even Redfall while the last for-pay items date back to 2020.

What was announced for the Xbox Avatar Editor app?
Starting January 9, 2025, the Xbox Avatar Editor app will no longer be available. This means players will no longer be able to access the Xbox Avatar Editor app on Xbox consoles or PCs, including their Xbox Avatars and any purchased avatar items. This will not affect the Xbox Original Avatars, as these will continue to work in supported Xbox 360 games, and you will still be able to edit your Xbox Original Avatars inside the Xbox Original Avatars app on Xbox consoles and Windows devices.

Why will the Xbox Avatar Editor app no longer be available?
Microsoft is dedicated to delivering great experiences for players, including a variety of options to personalize their gaming experience with Xbox. Due to low engagement and our shift in focus towards delivering other player experiences, the Xbox Avatar Editor app will no longer be available starting on January 9, 2025. Players can still personalize their gaming experience with dynamic backgrounds and profile colors on Xbox consoles, and with Xbox Original Avatars, profile themes, and gamerpics on Xbox consoles and PCs. For more info on new features and updates, visit News.Xbox.com.

Can I make more changes in the Xbox Avatar Editor app?
Players will be able to make changes to their Xbox Avatar on the Xbox Avatar Editor app until the app is no longer available starting on January 9, 2025.

What about all of my previous Xbox Avatar purchases?
All Xbox Avatar purchases from November 1, 2023, through January 9, 2025, will be refunded to your valid payment instrument after the Xbox Avatar Editor app is no longer available. You can check your purchase and refund history here: Microsoft Account Order History

Will I still see my Xbox Avatar on my profile page?
No. Starting on January 9, 2025, players will no longer be able to access their Xbox Avatars or any purchased avatar items. However, this change will not affect Xbox Original Avatars and those playing on Xbox 360 consoles or games that feature Xbox Original Avatars.

What are Xbox Original Avatars?
Xbox Original Avatars were first introduced in 2008 on the Xbox 360. They have since been carried over to Xbox One consoles, Xbox Series X|S consoles, and PC via the Xbox Original Avatars app. This change will not affect Xbox Original Avatars and those playing on Xbox 360 consoles or games that feature Xbox Original Avatars.

Can I still use Xbox Avatars for my gamerpic?
You can continue to update your gamerpic using the Xbox Avatar Editor app until January 9, 2025. After this date, any further changes to Xbox Avatar-themed gamerpics will need to be made through the Xbox Original Avatars app. To do this, launch the Xbox Original Avatars app, press the Menu button and select Take a photo. From there, you can adjust your avatar’s Animation and Background. Once you have the gamerpic you like, press the View button and then select Save as gamerpic. To learn more about the various gamerpic options available, visit: Change your Xbox gamerpic

Xbox Avatar Editor app FAQ