Beginner’s Guide to Xbox Series X|S

Welcome to your new adventure with Xbox!

You’ve just become the owner of one of the most powerful gaming consoles in existence. Excited to dive into gaming right away? Let’s ensure you get started smoothly with your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.

Heads up: Below are some suggestions to help you jump into gaming swiftly with your new console. For detailed setup instructions, make sure to check Xbox.com.

### Get Your Console Ready

First things first, let’s set up your console for action! Follow the instructions included in the box to connect the console to the internet—either using broadband or wireless. Plug it into an HDMI-compatible TV and power it on to kick off the update process.

Keeping your console updated is crucial. It ensures you can jump into new games instantly and keeps the system secure. We recommend completing this step before adding any peripherals, such as external hard drives or charging stations, to maintain optimal compatibility with future devices. For details on compatible accessories, head over to Xbox.com.

Depending on your internet speed and the number of updates, this process might take some time. If you’re gifting the console, consider updating it beforehand, so your gift recipient can start their gaming journey without delay.

While updates are underway, take the opportunity to download the Xbox app for iOS or Android. This app provides a handy setup guide right on your phone and lets you manage your console from the same device. If you’re a parent or guardian, think about downloading the Xbox Family Settings app, which offers additional control and safety features (more on that in a bit).

### Set Up a Free Xbox Account

To access awesome features like free-to-play multiplayer games and community activities, you need to create a free Xbox account. If you already use services like Windows, Office, or Outlook, your existing Microsoft account will allow you seamless access.

This is also an excellent time to set up a Family Group, especially if younger players are in the house. You can create separate Xbox accounts for everyone who’ll be gaming and customize settings for content and screen time as the organizer. Understand more about the benefits of a Family Group on Xbox by checking out the information here.

### Customize Family Settings

If your new Xbox is a gift for a child under 13, setting up a child account is essential. This makes it simple for you to add members to a family group and monitor activities through the free Xbox Family Settings app on both iOS and Android.

You can customize their gameplay through features like screen time schedules, content restrictions, and communication settings. It’s easy to tweak these settings as needed. This way, you not only ensure their safety but also promote healthy gaming habits.

### Enable Energy-Saving Features

Did you know your Xbox can be environmentally friendly too? By using the Shutdown mode (energy saving), your console will consume up to 20 times less power when not in use, compared to Sleep mode. Right from the start, your console is set to this energy-efficient mode, but you can adjust these settings according to your preferences. Simply navigate to the Settings menu, head to the General tab, and select Power Options.

### Explore Accessibility Options

Thanks to invaluable feedback from the Gaming & Disability Community, lots of games in the Microsoft Store on Xbox now feature Accessibility Tags. These tags make it clear which accessibility features are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the games. The Xbox Series X|S comes equipped with numerous features to make gaming more inclusive for all.

For example, Copilot allows you to connect two controllers and use them as one. In addition, the Xbox Accessories app lets you customize buttons on the Xbox Wireless Controller. Speech to Text and Quick Settings for Night Mode and High Contrast are just a few features aimed at making gaming welcoming to everyone.

If you have feedback as you use these features, check out the Xbox Accessibility Insider League (XAIL) FAQ page. You can explore the full breadth of accessibility options on the Accessibility site on Xbox.com. Xbox is proud to offer games developed with enhanced accessibility features, often in collaboration with the disability community, like Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 5, and Grounded.

For even more inclusivity, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a fantastic tool designed for players with limited mobility. It acts as a central hub for a wide variety of devices, making gaming even more accessible. Learn more about it here.

### Dive Into Game Pass

An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership gives you access to online console multiplayer and hundreds of high-quality games. You’ll have instant access to blockbuster franchises like Gears of War, Halo, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. This subscription also includes access to PC titles and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), member discounts, perks, and EA Play.

PC gamers, we’ve got you covered too! With an Xbox app on Windows, browsing a vast catalogue of PC games is a breeze. Like the Ultimate membership, PC Game Pass includes EA Play on PC at no extra cost, letting you experience EA’s top titles.

Additionally, there’s the Xbox Game Pass Core offering online console multiplayer and more than 25 games across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Enjoy deals up to 50% off select games. If you want even more, Xbox Game Pass Standard offers all Core benefits and access to hundreds of games with new additions regularly, minus day-one releases.

### Get Your Game On

Once your setup is complete, it’s time to have some fun! The Games homepage at Xbox.com is your go-to for the latest and best-selling games. Visit the Xbox Sales & Specials page to find deals on games, consoles, and accessories to enhance your gaming world.

Don’t forget to stop by the official Xbox Gear Shop for the newest in Xbox apparel and the Microsoft Store on Xbox for the latest games, add-ons, and more at competitive prices.

One of Xbox’s standout features is Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), included with a Game Pass Ultimate membership. It lets you stream games to play anywhere—on your phone, tablet, or PC—using devices you already have.

Every Game Pass membership includes Xbox Remote Play, enabling you to play games installed on your console from any compatible device. Learn the details here.

Welcome to the Xbox family! To stay updated on news and game releases, make sure to bookmark Xbox Wire for all your Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming updates.