We’re developing on the second anniversary of the Xbox Series X, and many individuals might attempt to decide the console up now in anticipation of 2023 video games like Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Starfield. Although the Xbox interface is pretty digestible, it does characteristic quite a lot of menus and submenus that include useful settings that even longtime Xbox Series X homeowners don’t find out about.
During my deep dive into the Xbox Series X settings menus, I found 5 options that can assist improve my expertise of enjoying video games on this technique. I like to recommend you go and take a look at these options for your self, whether or not you’re selecting up an Xbox Series X console for the primary time or have owned one for the reason that system launched in November 2020.
Remap controls
A stalwart characteristic of our hidden console options lists are customizable controls, and that’s nonetheless the case right here as a result of these settings are nonetheless useful. In reality, the Xbox Series X may need probably the most detailed controller customization of any present platform. To entry these choices, go to the Devices & Connections tab of the Settings menu. From there, click on the Accessories possibility, which can carry you to a separate Xbox Accessories menu the place you’ll discover Your controller. Other choices can help you verify the controller’s battery life, replace the controller, and extra, however we’re most within the Configure characteristic.
You can create controller profiles there, remapping the controls as you see match. There are clear menu choices for swapping or inverting the sticks, switching the triggers, turning off vibration, and altering find out how to activate screenshots and sharing, however customers can remap any button in the event that they maintain it down on this menu. You can then use these controller profiles in video games as you see match. This is certainly value testing when you desire sure management schemes or want to regulate one thing for accessibility.
Night mode
If you play video games late into the night time or play in a public area you share with quite a lot of roommates, you would possibly need to take into account the Xbox Series X’s Night Mode. According to its official description, Night Mode “reduces light from the console so it’s easier to sleep after gaming.” There’s truly quite a lot of nuance in setting it up too. You can simply toggle it on and off manually, however it’s also possible to align it so it prompts along with your area’s dawn and sundown or set a singular schedule for it. You can even modify how a lot you need to dim colours and filter out blue gentle.
To activate Night Mode, go to the General tab within the Settings menu. Then, select TV & Display Options. Under the Display column, you’ll discover the choice for night time mode and may set your preferences from there. This menu even allows you to modify the brightness of the Xbox image on each the controller and console. And don’t fear about this characteristic interfering along with your potential to seize screenshots or clips, as these aren’t affected by Night Mode. Give your eyes a break and do this out subsequent time you’re having a protracted gaming session in the midst of the night time.
Change your TV’s quantity
Lose your TV distant however nonetheless need to modify its audio? After an October 2022 replace, many individuals can now modify their TV quantity straight from the Xbox. At the underside of the Guide tab of your Xbox Guide, there’s an Audio & Music widget. If your Xbox is totally up to date and also you’re utilizing an HDMI cable on a CEC-enabled TV, it is best to see the choices to extend, lower, and mute audio.
Admittedly, it is a minor characteristic that has some very explicit use circumstances, however it’s useful when you continually lose your TV remotes (like me) and need to maintain your gaming session quiet. That October replace added the choice to mute the startup sounds the console makes as properly. Coupled with Night Mode, your Xbox is totally adaptable to no matter time of day you select to play.
Use Google Assistant or Alexa in your Xbox
Google
While the PlayStation 5 has an Alexa-like assistant, Xbox Series X simply allows you to instantly combine Google Assistant or Alexa along with your console. Once once more, you’ll need to go to the Devices & Connections tab within the Settings menu. You’ll discover a Digital Assistant possibility there, and clicking on that can carry you to the devoted menu for it. Choose Enable digital assistants and observe the steps for connecting which can be laid out on this web page. Once you try this, you’ll have the ability to use Google Assistant or Alexa along with your Xbox.
By talking to those voice assistants, you possibly can flip your console on and off, launch video games and apps, management the playback of media you’re watching, and seize gameplay footage. This might be very useful to prep your Xbox earlier than you arrive, particularly if in case you have an Android gadget with Google Assistant or quite a lot of Alexa-based Smart Home merchandise scattered round your home.
Customize the information
When you press the Xbox button in your controller, the Xbox Guide instantly pops up and serves as the bottom for selecting video games to play, interacting with pals, beginning get together chats, and extra. But do you know that that is one thing it’s also possible to customise? Next time you open the Xbox Guide, go to the Profile & System tab indicated by your profile image. In the second part, you possibly can select the Customize the information menu possibility. Now, you’re free to arrange the tabs of the information in no matter order you need.
If you solely are likely to play the identical recreation or two, however do it lots in get together chats with pals, then you definitely would possibly need to transfer the People and Parties & Chats tabs to the entrance. If you care extra about enjoying the video games and never with others, then it’s most likely higher to guide issues off with the Game Activity default information tab. By simply making these minor changes, your expertise enjoying Xbox video games can develop into a lot smoother. If you mess issues up, you possibly can at all times select the Reset to Default possibility.
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