Welcome to the Xbox family!
Congratulations on getting your hands on one of the most advanced gaming consoles ever made! To dive into gaming right away with your spanking new Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, here’s a quick guide with some insider tips you should consider after unboxing your console.
Set Up Your Console
Let’s get your console sorted out! First things first, follow the instructions in the box to connect to the internet—either through broadband or wirelessly. Plug your console into an HDMI-compatible TV, power it on, and get those updates rolling. Keeping your console up-to-date ensures you can jump into new games instantly and keeps your system secure. We recommend wrapping up this step before adding extras like external hard drives or charging docks. For a list of devices that play nice with your Xbox, check out Xbox.com.
Do note, the update might require a bit of patience depending on your internet speed and the updates you need. If this console is a gift, it might be a good idea to handle the updates beforehand. It’ll save time and excitement when the gift is unwrapped!
While the updates are doing their thing, download the Xbox app on your iOS or Android device. The app guides you step-by-step and lets you manage the console from your phone. If you’re a parent, don’t miss out on the Xbox Family Settings app—it’s great for control and safety features.
Create Your Xbox Account
To enjoy features like online multiplayer for free-to-play games and engaging with the vibrant Xbox community, you’ll need a free Xbox account. If you already use Microsoft services such as Windows or Outlook, you can jump right in with that account.
Consider setting up a Family Group if you’re sharing the console with younger players. You can create unique Xbox accounts for each player, and as the organizer, you can tailor content and screen time settings. This setup’s benefits can be explored further on Xbox’s Family Group page.
Set Up Family Controls
Setting up a child account is crucial if the console is for someone under 13. It simplifies adding family members and overseeing console activities via the free Xbox Family Settings app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
Customize their gaming experience by setting screen time schedules, managing content restrictions, and communication settings, reviewing friend requests, and even setting buying limits on the Xbox Store. These controls can be adjusted anytime, making it a breeze to foster healthy gaming habits.
Go Green with Energy-Saving Features
Did you know your Xbox can help reduce emissions and cut down on electricity usage? By default, it’s set to the Shutdown (energy saving) mode, using significantly less power than Sleep mode. But you can tweak these settings in the Settings menu under Power Options to suit your needs.
Explore Accessibility Features
Thanks to feedback from the Gaming & Disability Community, buying games in the Microsoft Store just got easier with accessibility feature tags. These tags let players with disabilities know what features are available before purchasing. Your Xbox Series X|S also has a range of accessibility options to ensure everyone can enjoy gaming.
- Copilot lets you use two controllers as one.
- Use the Xbox Accessories app to customize button layouts on your controller.
- Speech to Text converts spoken words into readable chat.
- Quick Settings offers easy toggles for features like Night Mode.
For more on accessibility or to give feedback, check out the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL). Xbox prides itself on offering accessible games, often in collaboration with the disability community, such as Forza’s Blind Driving Assists or Grounded’s Arachnophobia Safe Mode.
For those with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a game-changer, offering customizable play options tailored to your gaming style.
Get Into Game Pass
Sign up for Game Pass Ultimate and dive into a colossal library of top-tier titles from Gears of War to Microsoft Flight Simulator, all ready for you from day one. This membership also includes access to an assortment of PC games and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) perks.
If PC gaming is more your jam, the Xbox app for Windows has plenty to offer, with a catalog of EA Play games included in the PC Game Pass at no additional charge.
For those just getting started, the Xbox Game Pass Core offers online multiplayer and over 25 quality games right on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, not to mention juicy member discounts.
Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass Standard provides all the benefits of Core with access to a massive library for a wallet-friendly monthly fee–new titles added regularly!
Let’s Start Playing
With everything set, it’s time to jump into gaming! Xbox.com is your hub for the newest releases and top sellers. Find great deals on games, consoles, and more in the Xbox Sales & Specials section. And don’t forget the Xbox Gear Shop for cool apparel, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox for blockbuster exclusives and hot new releases.
An exciting bonus with Xbox, Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), available with Game Pass Ultimate, lets you stream hundreds of games on mobile devices, tablets, and PCs.
Every membership tier includes Xbox Remote Play, letting you play locally installed games on your console from compatible devices. Learn more about it on the Remote Play site.
Welcome again to Xbox! Be sure to bookmark Xbox Wire for the freshest news and updates on must-play games across console, PC, and cloud platforms.
