A new Xbox Series X update just dropped and could save your energy bills
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A new sustainable power saving method has just arrived with Xbox Series X, promising to be up to 20x more efficient than existing power consumption modes without impacting performance.
The new shutdown update, which has arrived for all Xbox Insider members on the Xbox Series X console, is aimed at reducing power consumption when the system is powered off. Dubbed the “first carbon-aware console,” this sustainability mode means you can download updates and Xbox Series X games at night while using significantly less power than the usual sleep mode.
As a frame of reference, the Xbox Series X consumes about 10-15W in sleep mode. The new shutdown mode consumes only 0.5W of power while providing the same essential functions.
It’s not just Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S Insider members who can take advantage of the new shutdown mode, as this update is also available for Xbox One platforms. This means that if you’re looking to save money on Microsoft’s legacy systems and you’re an Xbox Insider member, you’re in for a treat too. Note that boot times will be slower if this setting is enabled on the older systems.
The Carbon Aware update also adds functionality for active hours. When shutdown mode is enabled, you can manually configure the times when your Xbox console has a start and end point to run at full power. This means you can fine-tune the times you use the system to be stricter on a daily basis.
There’s been no official word on when this update will roll out to everyone across Xbox platforms, but we’ll update you when that changes. Microsoft is hard at work Xbox Sustainability Efforts (opens in new tab) since March, as we discussed earlier about considering new graphics modes to save money as well. If you’re worried about your power bill when gaming for long periods of time, these modes can help in the long run.