Recognition: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
After months (or years) of waiting, you’ve finally got your hands on a new Xbox Series X or Series S. Congratulations! But where do you go from here?
We’ve put together this quick guide for new Xbox owners to get their new systems up and running. You’re sure to bite the nail to jump into a next-gen game, so let’s get started!
Save your games in the cloud
Xbox Series S (top) and Xbox One S (bottom)
Recognition: Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority
If you’re upgrading from an Xbox One console, there is an important step you need to take before you unplug it and move it into a closet to be forgotten. Those without a last-gen Xbox can skip to the next section.
One of the best things about Microsoft’s approach is its focus on backward compatibility. You can play pretty much any game from any previous generation of Xbox, but that doesn’t mean your saved data comes with it.
Also read: Save on an official wireless controller and get more of the best Xbox deals
Any games that you want to keep playing should be stored in the cloud unless you want to start over. The good news is that this happens automatically while you’re connected to Xbox Live. Your save is synced every time you exit a game. You don’t even need an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
If for some reason you haven’t connected your console to the internet, reconnect it and start your games just in case. You can also check (or delete) your cloud storage from the start menu. Navigate to My games & apps, Press the Menu button Then select on your controller Manage games and add-ons. You can view all saved data by clicking the check box saved data Box.
Skipping Xbox One and upgrading from an Xbox 360? You may need to enable cloud storage manually. Learn more about it here.
Set up and update your console
Recognition: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
If you haven’t set up your console before reading this, kudos to your patience. Now it’s time to open the box and plug everything in. Once connected, the console will need to be updated before you can use it. And that can take a few hours.
Before you plug it in, take a moment to figure out where the console is. Sure, you can drop it on the floor and call it good, but that only demands damage from dust, spills, or overzealous pets.
Both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S can be placed horizontally or vertically, but they require some breathing space. Microsoft recommends leaving a minimum of 4 to 6 inches on each side, including the top. You should also avoid placing other objects on or near the console itself. Closed cabinets are also a big no-no.
The easiest way to set up your new Xbox is with the Xbox app for Android and iOS.
Also note that you should use the included 2 m ultra high speed HDMI cable. This cable is required for 4K output with 120 fps on the XSX. Using an uncertified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable can result in poor video performance. The Xbox Series S is less sophisticated and uses a standard high-speed HDMI cable that is easier to swap out in a pinch.
Once everything is connected, the easiest way to prepare your console is to use the Xbox app for Android or iOS. Follow the directions in the app and on your new Xbox console and you will be ready in no time. Or rather, update your console in no time. Use this time to read the rest of this guide!
Adjust your TV and display settings
The new Xbox consoles can deliver incredible images, but only if your TV can handle them. Depending on the make and model, you may need to adjust your TV settings to allow for higher resolutions, higher frame rates, or even special features like HDR. There may even be times when you need to connect your console to a specific HDMI port for the best performance.
Fortunately, the Xbox makes it easy to see what you’re working with. If you navigate to TV and display options in Settings and then select 4K TV Details, you’ll see what is currently possible with your TV. From there, you’ll have to dig around in both your Xbox and TV settings for optimal visual performance.
And if you’re playing on a 1080p 60Hz TV or monitor, it’s time to consider upgrading.
Get some games
One of the downsides to having a console close to its release date is that you won’t be able to take advantage of bundles that contain must-play games. Of course, you can still play the best Xbox One games thanks to backward compatibility. You can download them right away, put them on the CD, or just plug in an external hard drive with your games already installed.
To get the most out of your next generation hardware, you need some next generation games. It will be a while before big first-party titles like Halo Infinite and Perfect Dark come out, but there are plenty of XSX-optimized games out there today. Check out the best of these (and what’s coming soon) in the article below.
Also read: Best Xbox Series X / S Games: Time for next generation games
If you have no idea where to even start, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains one of the best deals on gaming. For $ 15 a month (or less if you’re converting from an existing Xbox Live subscription), you get access to well over 100 Triple-A games from first-party studios from Microsoft, EA, and others.
The selection is truly incredible and covers the best of the Xbox One era and more. Plus, all future Microsoft titles will be added on day one. It’s one of the best gaming deals out there, and its value just keeps growing over time. If you don’t need the game library, you still need Xbox Live Gold to play online, which costs $ 9.99 per month alone.
Install your favorite streaming apps
Microsoft has long wanted its consoles to be a one-stop shop for all of your entertainment needs. Now that streaming is the main form of entertainment for many households, that dream can finally come true.
Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, HBO Max, CBS All Access and many more are available for free. The most popular music apps can also be found, including Spotify, Pandora, and others.
Also read: The best video streaming services that are worth your time and money
It’s also worth noting that while the Xbox Series S doesn’t support 4K output for gaming, it does support streaming content. Rest assured, you can enjoy 4K HDR content on both flavors of the new Xbox consoles!
Obtain a second controller and other accessories
Recognition: Oliver Cragg / Android Authority
Couch coop is one of the main features of console games. However, if you want your friends and family to join in, you’ll need a second controller. You have a few options here, starting with the standard Xbox wireless controller, which costs around $ 60.
But if you can afford it, it’s well worth the extra cash on an Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. It’s the ultimate customizable controller that lets you change the thumb pins, triggers, and rear paddles to your liking. Leave the standard controller for your player two! In any case, you should grab a Play and Charge kit so that you no longer have to pay for batteries in the future.
Also read: The best accessories for Xbox Series X and Series S.
The new Xbox Series X has 1TB of onboard storage, but eventually you’ll have to invest in more. There you have two main options. The first is the official Seagate expansion card, which adds a whopping 1TB of storage that matches the speed of the built-in SSD. If that’s too expensive, an external hard drive gives you a cheaper storage boost, but without the incredible load times.
Find out more about our Xbox Series X / S coverage below!