Beginner’s Guide to Xbox Series X|S

Hey there, and welcome to the Xbox family!

Congratulations on snagging one of the most powerful gaming consoles out there! Let’s dive into getting your new Xbox Series X or Series S set up so you can start gaming pronto. There are just a few handy tips to keep in mind as you unbox and power up your console for the first time.

Heads up: Below, you’ll find some helpful advice to kick-start your gaming journey. For detailed setup instructions, head over to Xbox.com.

### Setting Up Your Console

First things first, let’s get your console ready to roar! Start by connecting it to the internet, either through broadband or Wi-Fi. Once that’s handled, plug it into an HDMI-compatible TV and power it up for some updates.

Having your console up to date is crucial. It ensures you can dive into the latest games and keeps your system secure. Tackle those updates before hooking up any extras like external hard drives or battery packs. This little step now can save compatibility headaches down the line. For a rundown on compatible accessories, Xbox.com is your buddy.

The updating process might take a bit, depending on your internet speed and what updates are in the queue. If this is a gift, consider prepping the console before handing it over to save time and maximize instant gaming joy.

As the console does its update thing, check out the Xbox app available for both iOS and Android. It’s a nifty tool for managing your console right from your smartphone. Plus, if you’re a parent or guardian, the Xbox Family Settings app offers additional safety features—more on that shortly.

### Creating Your Free Xbox Account

You’ll need a free Xbox account to dive into online multiplayer games and join the Xbox community. Register your account here. Already have a Microsoft account? Feel free to use that—whether you got it via Windows, Office, or Outlook.

This is also a prime time to set up a Family Group if your household includes younger gamers. It allows each player to have their own Xbox account while you, as the organizer, can adjust content and screen time settings per individual. Discover the perks of Xbox’s Family Group feature here.

### Manage Family Settings

Built with family in mind, it’s essential to set up a child account for those under 13. The Xbox Family Settings app, available for iOS and Android, lets parents easily monitor and manage console usage.

Customize their experience with screen time limits, content and communication settings, friend requests, and spending limits on the Xbox Store. You can tweak these settings anytime, fostering healthy gaming habits.

### Optimizing Energy Efficiency

Want to save on energy and be kinder to the planet? With the Shutdown (energy saving) feature, your Xbox conserves power effectively, using significantly less electricity compared to Sleep mode. By default, your console comes with this setting, but you can fine-tune the power options in the console’s Settings.

### Enhance Accessibility in Gaming

Thanks to input from the Gaming & Disability Community, many games on Xbox now come with accessibility feature tags. These make it easier for gamers with disabilities to determine the suitability of each game. The Xbox Series X|S itself is packed with accessibility features to ensure gaming is inclusive.

For instance, Copilot lets you use two controllers as one. The Xbox Accessories app allows personalization of the Xbox Wireless Controller buttons. You can also convert in-game chat to text with Speech to Text or turn on features like Night Mode and High Contrast via Quick Settings.

If you’d like to give feedback on these features or explore more, check out the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL) FAQ page. For a deeper dive into accessibility settings, visit the official Xbox site. Games like Forza Motorsport and Grounded come loaded with community-driven accessibility options.

For those needing specialized equipment, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a game-changer, designed with the needs of players with limited mobility in mind. Discover more about it here, along with the detailed user guide.

### Dive into Game Pass

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership opens the door to online multiplayer and a vast library of games. Imagine top-tier titles like Halo and Forza available from day one, along with fresh Indies and more. PC gamers aren’t left out: there’s a dedicated PC Game Pass offering access to EA’s best titles and exclusive content.

For those focused on console gaming, Xbox Game Pass Core gets you into superb games with added member deals. If you want the full spectrum, Xbox Game Pass Standard combines online multiplayer with a rotating selection of high-quality games.

### Time to Game

Now’s the fun part—playing! Explore the coolest new games and best-sellers on Xbox.com. And if you’re hunting for deals, our Xbox Sales & Specials page offers you incredible discounts on games and accessories.

The Xbox Gear Shop is your go-to for all things Xbox apparel and accessories. Swing by the Microsoft Store on Xbox for the latest game launches, exclusive add-ons, and more at sweet prices.

Don’t miss out on Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), included with Game Pass Ultimate. It allows you to stream Xbox console games to your devices—be it your phone, tablet, or PC. With Xbox Remote Play, available across all membership tiers, play any installed games on your console through compatible devices.

Welcome aboard, and get ready for an epic gaming adventure with Xbox! Remember to bookmark Xbox Wire to keep up with all the latest news and updates on your favorite games for console, PC, and cloud. Enjoy the journey!