Beginner’s Guide to Xbox Series X|S

Welcome to your new Xbox adventure!

You’ve just got your hands on one of the most impressive gaming consoles available today, and I’m here to help you dive into the action without any hitches. As you unpack your Xbox Series X or Series S, there are a few key steps to keep in mind so you can jump into gaming swiftly.

Before we delve into details, remember this guide is filled with our personal tips to get you started quickly. For more comprehensive, step-by-step setup instructions, make sure to check out Xbox.com.

Getting Your Console Ready

Let’s kick things off by setting up your console! Follow the in-box instructions to connect it to the internet, either via broadband or wireless. After that, plug it into your HDMI-compatible TV and power it up to initiate the updates.

Updating your console is crucial for accessing the latest games and ensuring system security. It’s wise to get this done before hooking up other devices like external storage or charging stations, ensuring seamless compatibility with current and upcoming accessories. Need more info? Visit Xbox.com for a list of compatible accessories.

Updates might take a bit depending on your connection and update size, so if you’re gifting the console, it’s a good idea to handle this beforehand. This way, the recipient can jump into gaming without delay.

While your console updates, download the Xbox app on iOS or Android. This handy tool offers user-friendly setup guidance and lets you manage the console from your phone. If you’re a caregiver or parent, download the Xbox Family Settings app too, for enhanced control and safety features, which we’ll talk about in a bit.

Creating Your Free Xbox Account

To unlock features like free-to-play online multiplayer games and community access, you’ll need a free Xbox account. You can sign up or use your existing Microsoft account here.

This is also a great time to establish a Family Group if you have younger gamers at home. This setup allows you to tailor content and screen time settings individually for each player. Learn more about Family Groups on Xbox here.

Family Settings

If your console is bound for a child, setting up a child account is essential. It simplifies adding family members to your group while giving you the tools to oversee activity via the free Xbox Family Settings app.

Customize their gaming experience with screen time schedules and content restrictions. You can also manage friend requests and spending limits in the Xbox Store. These settings are easily adjustable anytime, promoting a healthy gaming lifestyle.

Energy-Saving Choices

Concerned about energy consumption? The Shutdown (energy-saving) feature helps your Xbox use less power compared to Sleep mode. This setting is the default, but you can tweak it in the Settings menu under Power Options to suit your needs.

Accessibility Features

Thanks to input from the Gaming & Disability Community, Xbox games now come with accessibility tags, making it simpler for players with disabilities to find suitable games. The Xbox Series X|S also offers features designed for inclusive gaming.

• Copilot: Pair two controllers to function as one.
• Xbox Accessories App: Customize your Xbox Wireless Controller buttons.
• Speech to Text: Converts chat or spoken words into text on-screen.
• Quick Settings: Quickly switch on features like Night Mode or High Contrast.

If you have feedback about accessibility features, check out the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL) FAQ page. Explore a full range of accessibility options here.

Noteworthy is the Xbox Adaptive Controller, tailored for gamers with limited mobility. Learn more about it here.

Dive into Game Pass

With Game Pass Ultimate, you get online multiplayer, access to hundreds of high-quality games, and first-day access to big titles from franchises like Halo, Forza, and more. Plus, it includes games for PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), along with an EA Play membership.

For PC gamers, the Xbox app on Windows offers easy browsing and discovery of the PC Game Pass catalog. This membership includes EA Play at no extra cost.

If you’re interested in multiplayer and a selection of high-quality games, Xbox Game Pass Core is for you. It includes online multiplayer and discounts. Xbox Game Pass Standard extends these benefits to hundreds of titles, providing endless fun.

Time to Play

With everything set up, it’s game on! Head over to Xbox.com to explore the latest releases and best sellers or check out special deals on our Xbox Sales & Specials page.

Don’t miss the Xbox Gear Shop for awesome Xbox apparel and accessories, and explore the Microsoft Store on Xbox for the newest titles and content at great prices.

Ready to explore new horizons? Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) offers streaming of high-quality games, available with Game Pass Ultimate. It lets you play on your devices with ease.

Every membership features Xbox Remote Play, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games installed on your console via any compatible device. For more on Xbox Remote Play, click here.

Welcome once more to the Xbox community! Keep Xbox Wire bookmarked for all the latest news and updates on your favorite games across consoles, PCs, and the cloud. Let’s get you gaming!