Welcome to the Xbox community!
Congratulations on acquiring one of the most robust gaming consoles out there! To dive into your gaming adventures swiftly, here are some handy tips to consider as you unbox your new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
First things first, let’s set up your console. The directions in the package will guide you in connecting to the internet, whether you’re using broadband or opting for wireless. Then, connect to an HDMI-capable TV and power up the console to initiate system updates.
Keeping your console updated ensures you can enjoy new games as soon as they’re released and keeps your system secure. We highly recommend you complete this step before integrating added peripherals like external drives or battery stations. This guarantees compatibility with both current and upcoming accessories. For a comprehensive list of compatible gadgets, check out Xbox.com.
The update process might take a while, depending on your internet speed and the sheer number of updates needed. If you’re gifting the console, consider updating it beforehand to save time, allowing the receiver to jump into gaming faster.
As updates progress, it’s the perfect time to download the Xbox app for iOS or Android. This app gives you step-by-step instructions and lets you manage the console right from your smartphone. For parents, the Xbox Family Settings app is a must for additional control and safety features—more on those shortly.
Creating a free Xbox account is your ticket to playing online multiplayer games and immersing yourself in the community. You can sign up easily, or if you’ve already got a Microsoft account (like from Windows or Outlook), that’ll work too.
Setting up a Family Group is a fantastic idea if younger gamers are involved. You can create personal Xbox accounts for everyone and tailor content and screen time settings. Discover all the perks of forming a Family Group on Xbox.
When handing the console to a child under 13, make sure to create a child account. This simplifies adding family members to a family group and watching over console activities through the free Xbox Family Settings app available on iOS and Android.
Customize their experience with screen time schedules, content restrictions, and spending limits on the Xbox Store. Adjustments can be made anytime, encouraging balanced gaming habits.
Did you know you can save energy with your Xbox? By selecting the Shutdown (energy saving) option, your console will consume significantly less power when powered off than it would in Sleep mode. Out of the box, it defaults to this energy-saving setting, but feel free to tweak it to your liking through the Power Options under the General tab in Settings.
Thanks to inputs from the Gaming & Disability Community, many games on the Microsoft Store now highlight Xbox Game Accessibility Features. This makes it easier for players with disabilities to find games that suit them. Additionally, the Xbox Series X|S has built-in features that make gaming accessible to everyone.
Explore these features: link two controllers to act as one with Copilot; change button layouts using the Xbox Accessories app; convert speech to on-screen text via Speech to Text; and use Quick Settings for Night Mode and High Contrast. Have feedback? Check out the Xbox Accessibility Insider League FAQ for more options.
Forza Motorsport has Blind Driving Assists, excellent for players who are blind or have low vision. Forza Horizon 5 offers ASL/BSL interpretations during cinematics, and Grounded includes Arachnophobia Safe Mode to adjust spider depictions in games. Xbox’s Adaptive Controller also broadens accessibility for players with limited mobility. Learn more about its capabilities and user guide online.
Dive into a treasure trove of games with a Game Pass Ultimate membership. Enjoy online multiplayer and access hundreds of top-tier games immediately. It includes first-party hits from studios like Gears of War, Halo, and new arrivals regularly. You also get PC titles and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) as part of the package. Want EA titles? They’ve got that covered too.
If you primarily game on a PC, explore the Xbox app on Windows PC to browse the catalog, check recommendations, and find your next gaming obsession without fuss. The PC Game Pass also includes EA Play at no additional charge for even more gaming options.
For those who love multiplayer console action, Xbox Game Pass Core provides access to over 25 superb games across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, all while offering tempting member discounts up to 50% off on select games.
Xbox Game Pass Standard offers all the benefits of Game Pass Core with an even wider selection of games added regularly, but note, it doesn’t include launch-day games.
Ready to game? Head over to Xbox.com to find resources that will guide you to the freshest releases and best sellers. Don’t forget to peek at the Xbox Sales & Specials page for deals on everything from games to accessories.
Explore the Xbox Gear Shop for the latest apparel and accessories, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox for upcoming blockbusters, exclusive content, and ID@Xbox games.
With the Game Pass Ultimate membership, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) lets you stream games to your devices, transforming how you play by untethering you from the console.
Every membership tier grants Xbox Remote Play, letting you enjoy locally installed games on your console remotely from any compatible device. Learn the ins and outs of Xbox Remote Play online.
Welcome again to the expansive universe of Xbox! Stay looped in with the latest news and updates by bookmarking Xbox Wire—your go-to source for everything Xbox, across consoles, PCs, and the cloud.
