Xbox beginner’s guide: Top tips and tricks for new Xbox Series X|S owners

Get to know your Xbox in a few easy steps.

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The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have been out for 3 years now. Whether you’re just picking one up or getting a second console, have no fear, they are both user-friendly to set up, with their primary functions easy to access for plug-in and play gaming. That being said, unlocking the full features and capabilities can take a little more research. We’re here to help with that.Beyond gaming, the Xbox Series X|S can act as a media center, you can use it to create and edit clips from your favorite games, and there are tons of great apps available — from Disney+ to Netflix. Still, you’ll need to get yourself set up. So here are some of the most important things you should do first after opening that glossy box.

Know the difference between the Xbox Series S, Series X

There are some pretty large differences between the models of Xbox Series X and S. These consoles replace the previous Xbox One consoles. With the Xbox Series S replacing the Xbox One and Xbox One S, and the Xbox Series X replacing the Xbox One X.

The X sports 4K Blu-ray, complete with streaming 4K playback for media apps like Netflix. The Xbox Series S, however, is digital-only, supporting 4K only for streaming apps, with no disc drive to speak of. The Xbox Series X also has beefed-up specs, delivering 4K 60 FPS visuals for games, with various other graphical enhancements. The Series S generally targets 1080p or 1440p resolutions, aiming for 60 frames per second at minimum.

If you missed the news,Xbox recently released a 1TB version of the Xbox Series S in all black.It has the same specifications as the regular 512GB Xbox Series S with a larger internal NVME SSD.

In terms of usage and operating system, though, both consoles are virtually identical. Both consoles are compatible with all existing Xbox One accessories and games, alongside hundreds of titles from previous Xbox 360 and Xbox OG generations. Games will look and runfarbetter on the new-gen consoles, and loadfarfaster, thanks to NVME SSD speeds.

Setting up your Xbox Gamertag and Microsoft Account

First things first, you’ll need to set up an Xbox Gamertag that’s connected to your Microsoft Account.

It’s important to ensure that you have justoneMicrosoft Account across Xbox and Windows, particularly as these systems become more and more integrated. You can sign in with any Microsoft Account. If you haven’t done so before while setting up the Xbox you’ll be prompted to create a “Gamertag” — this is your identity on Xbox Live.

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You can only change this once for free, so pick a good one!

From Xbox 360

Note:If you somehow ended up with separate accounts for your Xbox 360 and Microsoft Account, you canmigrate your Gamertag to your primary Microsoft account.

From Xbox One

First Gamertag

Once your account is set up and integrated, you’re ready to go!

Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass, what’s the difference?

The Xbox Series X|Scanbe used offline, but many apps, services, and features will require an online connection. By default, a new Xbox user is signed up for a free Silver subscription, which will let you play online multiplayer in free-to-play games such as Fortnite. However, by purchasing an Xbox Live Gold subscription, you’ll be able to access a ton of extra benefits.Xbox Game Pass is an alternative subscription for an extra cost, it comes with hundreds of games available instantaneously Netflix-style if you subscribe. The best value option is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which gives you both Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in asingle combined subscription,and an additional benefit of cloud gaming on other devices. You can sign up for Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass at any time from the main dashboard, or online.

Xbox Live Gold is now Game Pass Core

If you already had Xbox Live Gold on your old Xbox 360 or Xbox One, it should already have been converted over to Game Pass Core.

Xbox Game Pass Console, PC, and Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s Netflix-like subscription service, giving you access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. AllXbox Game Studiofirst-party games will release Day One on Xbox Game Pass, this includes anticipated titles likeStarfieldandRedfallfor 2023.

We think Xbox Game Pass really is the best value in gaming, and we have a number of reasons why that you can read into on our site. Here’s ourfull and comprehensive list of all the games on Xbox Game Pass.

Netflix for games

Microsoft’s Netflix-like Xbox game subscription service gives you access to well-over one hundred titles on console, but also on PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also throws in Xbox Live Gold, which is required for playing online.

Need more controllers?

If you fancy more controllers, Microsoft produces a range of options, including a more powerful Elite Series 2 controller and a complete “Xbox Design Lab” that lets you make your very own styles for that personal touch.

Customize it

Xbox Design Lab lets you make your very own style of controller, with the ability to change all the colors, the finish, and other aspects. It’s great to commemorate your favorite game, match home decor, or as a gift for a loved one.

Most powerful

The Xbox Elite Controller 2 is the best Xbox controller ever made, with lots of customizable parts, refined action and tactility, and various other improvements, complete with a super-convenient charge dock.

The Elite, but not as you know itThe Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core is a great option if you want an Elite for a cheaper price. This comes without the spare joysticks, the paddles, the carry case, and the charge dock of the original Elite, with the trade-off being a cheaper price. There’s also no back paddles included but they can be purchased seperately.

Best for retro fans

If you want to go old-school, try out the Hyperkin Duke, for fans of the OG Xbox. It matches much of the original design, complete with a rather nifty animated guide button right in the middle.

Best budget

The PowerA Enhanced controllers are a solid option if you’re just after a wired controller for Player 2. The controllers come in a huge range of colors and have the bonus addition of extra programmable buttons and a volume wheel.

Essential accessories

The Xbox consoles are great by themselves, with everything you need out of the box for a great gaming experience. However, there are aton of other great accessoriesthat can enhance or specialize your experience, from wireless headsets to Amazon Echo voice support, and more. Here are our top four most-essential Xbox accessory picks.

Voice control

You can now control your Xbox console using voice commands via an Amazon Echo speaker. The lowest-cost Echo devices are pretty affordable and currently sport the most extensive array of support for connected devices and services. The most affordable Echo device is the Echo spherical speaker.

Multi-purpose charging

If you have multiple controllers, or just want a more flexible solution for charging, the Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries and charge kit get juiced up from the wall socket and can be used in any device that takes AA batteries.

Wired sound

If you prefer quality wired headsets, our current favorite is the HyperX CloudX. Both budget friendly and convenient, a wired headset means no charging required, and often a better sound quality than wireless headsets in a higher price bracket.

Wireless sound

For voice communication, a headset is a must, and we’re currently recommending the LucidSound LS35X as the best wireless Xbox headset. With excellent battery life, full wireless capabilities, crystal clear mic, and comfortable construction, you won’t be disappointed.

Optimize for multiplayer games by opening your NAT

This step won’t be necessary for the majority, but if you’re having trouble connecting to your home network you may need to make some tweaks. Most domestic networking setups support the Xbox out of the box, but here’s a couple of tips to improve your experience if you have some networking knowledge.

Note:Sometimes, simply opening the ports isn’t enough, you may have to set up your Xbox with a static IP address to ensure that the ports remain open for that particular device. PortForwards.com has specificguides on configuring the open ports for your specific model of router.

Set up the Xbox app for mobile devices

Windows 10 and 11 come with theXbox apppre-installed, but there are also apps available for iOS and Android for use with your Xbox. Using these apps, you can manage your Game DVR recordings, send messages, browse and buy games, check your activity feed, and much more. Not all features are supported by all versions, but the apps are frequently updated.

Create an Avatar and GamerPic

Gaming is often a social experience, and the team at Microsoft gave us Xbox Avatars to help us feel visually represented on Xbox Live. Avatars are 3D cartoon characters you can customize and display on your Xbox Live profile. You can purchase props, licensed clothes and gaming accessories for your Avatar to stand out from the crowd, and then use your Avatar to pose for a unique profile picture.

Create and upload game clips and screenshots

You can create your own gaming memories using the Xbox’s GameDVR and UPLOAD Studio apps. These apps come preinstalled on your Xbox, and provide robust storage and editing tools.

How to configure the Game DVR for 1080p and 4K resolution capture

Set up your Xbox to stream media

You can use the Xbox to stream content from your devices. On Windows 10 and 11, this is achieved simply by selecting the casting button seen in Windows 10 video apps, then selecting the Xbox mapped to the same network. To access media content on a PC or server from your Xbox requires a few settings tweaks in Windows.

Where are the games and apps?

You can access your games at any time right from the home screen or via the Guide menu. Press the Xbox home button on your controller, then move down a step to select “My games & apps.”

Games need to be installed either from physical discs or digital downloads from the store. Modern games tend to have quite large file sizes, so investing in an external storage drive might be something to consider.

Install a game from a disc

Install a game from the Xbox Store

Xbox family settings

Xbox has a range of settings and restrictions you can set up as a parent for younger gamers. The settings for this can be found under Account, and then Family settings. We have a more comprehensive guide on how to navigate and update these settings below, in order to keep your kids safe online. Check out our articles onXbox for Parents, and thebest Xbox kids games.

Other Windows Central Xbox Help guides

We have a bunch of other guides you can check out to help you get to know your new Xbox in more detail:

Update Dec 22, 2023:We’ve updated this guide with the latest information for the latest Xbox Series X|S updates.

Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow onTwitter (X)andThreads, and listen to hisXB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!