Hello and welcome to the Xbox family!
Now that you’ve got your hands on one of the most powerful gaming consoles out there, let’s help you dive straight into the action with a few essential tips for setting up your shiny new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
Important note: The suggestions we’re about to cover aim to get you gaming fast, but if you need a more comprehensive guide, head over to Xbox.com for a detailed walkthrough.
Getting Your Console Ready
Let’s dive into setting up the console! Start by following the instructions right out of the box to hook up your console to the internet. You can choose between a wired broadband connection or a wireless one, whichever suits you best. Once that’s sorted, connect your Xbox to an HDMI-compatible TV and power it on to start downloading the latest updates.
Updating your console is paramount—it lets you play new games right off the bat and keeps your system secure. It’s highly recommended to do this before attaching any additional gadgets like external hard drives or charging stations. Doing so ensures everything works seamlessly now and in the future. For a list of compatible accessories, don’t forget to check Xbox.com.
Keep in mind that updating might take some time depending on your internet speed and the updates it needs. If this Xbox is a surprise gift, consider prepping this step beforehand. It’ll save everyone time, letting them leap into gaming quicker.
While your console busies itself with updates, it’s the perfect time to download the Xbox app on your iOS or Android device. This app not only gives you clear step-by-step instructions but also lets you control your console through your smartphone. If you’re a parent or guardian, downloading the Xbox Family Settings app is also a wise move—it offers additional safety and control features. (Stay tuned for more on that!)
Setting Up Your Xbox Account
Getting access to all the features, like jumping into free-to-play online games and joining the community, requires a free Xbox account. You can create your account here, or if you’re already part of the Microsoft ecosystem through services like Windows, Office, or Outlook, just use your existing Microsoft account.
Now’s a great time to set up a Family Group, especially if your household includes young gamers. This allows you to create individual accounts for each player and as the organizer, you can tailor content and screen time settings to match each person’s needs. You can learn more about setting up a Family Group on Xbox here.
Tailoring Family Settings
If the console is meant for a child under 13, don’t forget to set up a child account. This makes it simpler than ever for parents to add family members and keep track of console activities via the free Xbox Family Settings app, available on both iOS and Android.
This setup lets you customize their gaming experience with screen time schedules, manage content and communication restrictions, review friend requests, and control spending on the Xbox Store. These features encourage a balanced and positive gaming environment, all managed at your fingertips.
Opt for Energy Efficiency
Did you know your Xbox can be eco-friendly? Indeed, the Shutdown (energy saving) feature allows your console to consume up to 20 times less power when off compared to Sleep mode. Out of the box, your Xbox is set to the energy-saving Shutdown option, but you can tweak these settings to fit your preferences. Just visit the Settings menu, navigate to the General tab, and select Power Options.
Embrace Gaming Accessibility
Thanks to valuable insights from the Gaming & Disability Community, the Microsoft Store on Xbox now showcases Accessibility Feature Tags. These tags make it easy for gamers with disabilities to find titles that suit their needs. Furthermore, the Xbox Series X|S is equipped with several features to enhance accessibility for everyone.
- Copilot: Pair two controllers and use them as one.
- Xbox Accessories app: Personalize your controller’s button layout.
- Speech to Text: Converts spoken chat to text for easy reading.
- Quick Settings: Swiftly toggle accessibility settings like Night Mode and High Contrast.
If you decide to explore these accessibility options further, visit the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL) FAQ for feedback opportunities. Full details of Xbox’s extensive accessibility features can be found on the official Accessibility page. Some games also offer incredible accessibility functions, crafted in collaboration with the disability community:
- Forza Motorsport: Features Blind Driving Assists for visually impaired players.
- Forza Horizon 5: Includes ASL/BSL interpreters during its cinematic sequences.
- Grounded: Offers an Arachnophobia Safe Mode to tweak the appearance of spiders.
For players facing mobility challenges, the Xbox Adaptive Controller provides a central hub for devices that cater to various needs, ensuring gaming is accessible for all. More information on this controller is available here.
Enjoy Game Pass
A Game Pass Ultimate membership is your gateway to a vast library of high-quality games. Instantly dive into titles from iconic franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, alongside exclusive ID@Xbox games and regular new arrivals. The membership also unlocks access to PC titles, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), savings, exclusive Perks, and an EA Play membership—perfect for fans of EA Sports FC, Battlefield, and Star Wars.
PC gamers aren’t left out—PC Game Pass offers the same benefits through the Xbox app on Windows, complete with EA Play at no additional charge for EA’s top titles and early trials of new games.
Various tiers cater to different needs—from Game Pass Core, granting multiplayer and entry to 25+ games, to Game Pass Standard, which expands access to hundreds of games without day-one releases.
Jump Into Gaming
Everything’s set up, so it’s time to play! Check out the Games homepage on Xbox.com for the freshest and most popular releases. Dive into the Xbox Sales & Specials page to snag deals on games, consoles, accessories, and more to boost your gaming experience.
Don’t forget to explore the Xbox Gear Shop for the latest Xbox-themed apparel and accessories. The Microsoft Store on Xbox is your go-to for blockbuster exclusives, add-ons, and indie games all at stellar prices.
Excitingly, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), part of the Game Pass Ultimate membership, lets you stream a huge roster of high-quality games anywhere, allowing you to game on mobile, tablet, or PC.
Plus, all membership tiers offer Xbox Remote Play, letting you play games installed on your console across any compatible device. Discover more about Xbox Remote Play here.
Once again, welcome to the Xbox squad! Keep Xbox Wire bookmarked to stay in the loop with all the latest updates and news about your favorite games across consoles, PC, and the cloud.
