Ten Ways to Get Ready for Xbox Series X|S
We’re just around the corner from the launch of Xbox Series X, our fastest, most powerful console ever, and Xbox Series S, featuring next-gen performance in our smallest console ever. With that in mind, we wanted to offer some tips to make sure you’re ready to play the latest and greatest games on the day you bring your new console into your home. While this is far from an exhaustive list, we wanted to make sure it’s easy for you to jump into the next generation of gaming.
Let’s kick things off with a look at what you can do ahead of time to speed up your setup process to get you in the game as soon as possible.
1. Make sure your Xbox profile is all ready to go
If you’ve already got an Xbox profile that you’ve been using on Xbox One, be sure to login to xbox.com and double check that all your info is up to date. And if you’re new to Xbox it’s free and easy to set up a new account.
2. Download the Xbox app for Android and iOS
You can use the Xbox mobile app to set up your new console, as well as stay connected to your gaming community on your phone or tablet. Your Xbox message inbox is unified across all your devices, so all the chatting you’re doing with friends on your console can keep going while you’re on your phone. You can also use the app to remotely play games installed on your console and share capture of our epic gaming moments to poplar social media sites.
3. Make room for your new console
Measure your space – make sure you leave some extra space for airflow. Xbox Series X is 5.94 inches wide, 5.94 inches deep, and 11.85 inches tall, while Xbox Series S, our smallest console ever, is just 10.8 inches wide, 5.9 inches deep, and 2.5 inches tall. Both consoles can be positioned horizontally or vertically.
4. Load up an external hard drive with your favorite games
The new Xbox consoles are compatible with USB 3.1 external hard drives. When you start up your new console, you can plug in your hard drive and your backwards compatible games will be all ready to play. Keeping your external hard drive plugged in is a great way to store games, and it saves space on your console’s SSD for the games you play most.
5. Tune your TV settings
The Xbox Series X comes with an ultra-high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable. Games will look and play best on TVs that have an HDMI 2.1 port that’s capable of 4K and 120 frames per second. Be sure to calibrate your TV. You can do this by going to the Settings menu in your console and navigating to General -> TV & Display Options -> Setup -> Calibrate TV. For more information, check out our in-depth guide.
6. Discover your next favorite game
If you don’t have Xbox Game Pass, you are missing out on the best value in gaming and a great way to discover your next favorite game. With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can get access to over 100 great games, Xbox Live Gold, and an EA Play membership. You’ll have a great library of games to play with your friends when you get your new console – plus, you can start your first month for only $1.
7. Expand your console storage
If you want the very best, most premium storage solution, the 1TB Seagate Storage Expansion Card matches the speed and performance of the internal SSD. The small form factor makes it easy to swap) out and take digital games on the go or swap between Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S if you’ve got both.
8. Upgrade your audio
Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S support 3D Spatial Sound, allowing you to hear every detail with pinpoint accuracy. Both consoles include support for Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, and Windows Sonic for Headphones. Hear for yourself which one best suits your style. If you don’t already have a gaming headset, consider picking one up to get the most immersive gaming experience.
9. Make sure you have enough controllers
If you have more than one gamer in your home, you’re going to want an extra controller so you can play together. Your controllers that worked with Xbox One are compatible with the new consoles, so you may already have extras ready to go. Or, if you’re looking for something new, Xbox Series X and Series S have new Xbox Wireless Controllers that have all been updated for faster responsiveness, improved comfort and easier content sharing with the new Share button.
If you want additional convenience you can power your controllers with our Rechargeable Battery + USB-C cable so that you never run out of power.
10. Download the Xbox Family Settings app
Do you have kids that play on your Xbox? The Xbox Family Settings app is a great way to easily set up child accounts and manage console gaming options that are right for your family. You can set screen time, add content filters, and get daily and weekly activity reports.
We hope these tips help get you prepared to enjoy the next generation of gaming with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. For more tips on setting up your new hardware, visit support.xbox.com.