Welcome to the world of Xbox!
You’ve just gotten your hands on one of the most advanced gaming consoles ever made! Here are some tips to get you into the action as quickly as possible when you unbox your shiny new Xbox Series X or Series S.
Note: Below you’ll find some of our personal tips to hit the ground running with your Xbox. For a thorough setup guide, head over to Xbox.com.
Get Your Console Ready
Let’s start getting things set up! Open the box, follow the included instructions to connect your console to the internet (either through broadband or Wi-Fi), and plug it into your HDMI-ready TV. Turn it on, and allow it to update.
Keeping your console updated is crucial for running the latest games and ensures your system’s security is up to par. It’s best to finish these updates before plugging in other devices like external hard drives or charging docks. This precaution helps maintain compatibility with future gadgets. For a list of supported accessories, head to Xbox.com.
Updates might take a while, depending on your internet speed and how many are needed. If you’re gifting the console, consider updating it beforehand to save some time and jump straight into gaming fun.
While waiting on updates, consider downloading the Xbox app for iOS or Android. It offers step-by-step setup instructions and allows you to manage your console from your smartphone. If you’re setting up for kids, check out the Xbox Family Settings app, which offers controls and safety features (more on that in a bit).
Create Your Xbox Account
To enjoy online multiplayer and community features, you’ll need a free Xbox account—sign up here. If you have a personal Microsoft account, you can use that too.
This is the perfect time to set up a Family Group if you have younger players at home. You can create separate Xbox accounts for each player and customize settings like content and screen time as the organizer. Learn more about Family Groups on Xbox here.
Set Family Settings
If the console’s for a child under 13, create a child account. It simplifies adding family members and monitoring activities via the free Xbox Family Settings app, available on iOS and Android.
You can customize their gaming experience with screen time schedules, content restrictions, communication settings, and spending limits on the Xbox Store. These settings are adjustable at any time, fostering healthy gaming habits together.
Choose Energy Saving Options
Reduce emissions and save energy with your Xbox! Use the Shutdown option (energy saving) instead of Sleep mode to cut power usage by up to 20 times. This setting is default out of the box, but you can decide what fits you best by navigating to the General tab in the Settings menu, then selecting Power Options.
Embrace Gaming Accessibility Features
Thanks to feedback from the Gaming and Disability Community, Xbox games now feature accessibility tags in the Microsoft Store, making it easier for players with disabilities to find games that suit them. The Xbox Series X|S offers features to make gaming accessible for everyone.
- Copilot: combine two controllers to act as one.
- Xbox Accessories app: customize button layouts on the Xbox Wireless Controller.
- Speech to Text: converts player speech or in-game chat to text on screen.
- Quick Settings: quickly enable features like Night Mode and High Contrast.
Engage with these accessibility tools and give feedback through the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL). More accessibility settings are detailed on Xbox’s official Accessibility site. Some games like Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 include specific accessibility features made in collaboration with the disability community.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller has been tailored to meet players with limited mobility, serving as a hub for compatibility with various devices. Learn more about the adaptive controller here and explore the official user guide.
Sign Up for Game Pass
Consider a Game Pass Ultimate membership for online multiplayer access and hundreds of high-quality games. This includes day-one releases from top franchises like Gears of War, Halo, and more. PC players won’t miss out, either, with PC Game Pass delivering access to a vast collection of titles, including EA games.
Xbox Game Pass Core is another option, providing online console multiplayer and over 25 top games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, plus member deals of up to 50% off selected titles.
Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass Standard has the benefits of Core plus access to hundreds of games for a great price, but doesn’t include early releases.
Start Gaming
Your setup is complete, so dive into gaming! Visit Xbox.com for resources to maximize your experience. Explore the latest releases or hot sellers on our Games homepage, or find discounts on the Xbox Sales & Specials page, where you can also browse the Xbox Gear Shop for awesome branded merchandise.
Included in your Game Pass Ultimate membership, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) lets you stream games on various devices you own—ideal for playing on mobile, tablets, or PCs.
Every membership level includes Xbox Remote Play, allowing you to play locally installed games on any compatible device. Learn more about it here.
Once more, welcome to Xbox’s vibrant ecosystem! Be sure to bookmark Xbox Wire for all news and updates on your favorite games for Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud.
