So you just got a… Microsoft Xbox Series X/Series S

If you just found an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S underneath the Christmas tree, congratulations! Those aren’t easy to come by right now.

Rarity should be short-lived, however. What’s really important is that you’ve just netted a powerful new console capable of delivering even more immersive experiences than before. It will also run nearly all Xbox One games and any older Xbox titles that ran on the Xbox One hardware, so you may already have a library of favourites to revisit.

And there are some great games that are enhanced for the Series X and Series S, as well as streaming 4K media. If you’re looking to get your new console up and running, pick the best games, and maybe snag a helpful accessory or two, here’s our starter guide.

1. Get up and running

Basic setup on either console is effectively identical and shouldn’t be too difficult for anyone who has set up a previous-generation console, such as an Xbox One or PlayStation 4.

Choose whether you want to have your system standing vertically or laying on its side: either is fine. Right out of the box, all you need to do is plug in the power cord and connect the other end to a wall outlet, and then connect the HDMI cable from the console to your TV.

You’ll want to plug the Xbox Series X/S into the most advanced HDMI port you have on your TV – ideally an HDMI 2.1 port, if you have one, to enable 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second on supported TVs. Not every set will have that, however, and you can still play your Xbox without every possible bell and whistle equipped. But you definitely want the best picture you can get.

Insert the batteries into the controller and then you can begin digital setup. With the latest Xbox consoles, Microsoft has enabled the use of the official Xbox smartphone app on iOS or Android to speed up the process of inputting logins and passwords, although you can continue right on your TV using the controller if you please. You’ll need a Microsoft account to set things up, but a basic account is free: you don’t have to subscribe to the paid Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass memberships, either now or later. They are purely optional.

One option worth mulling over is the choice between instant-on and energy-saving modes. With the former, your Xbox Series X/S is always on standby and will wake within seconds of pressing the power button. However, it’s steadily sipping a bit of energy when not in use. Otherwise, energy-saving mode fully powers down the console when shut off, but takes much longer to spring back to life when you return. It’s your call.

2. Grab some games

We highly recommend investing in Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, as noted above. Whether or not you go that route, there are plenty more games worth playing on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and nearly every Xbox One game is also compatible with the newer consoles, some of which pack performance enhancements.

Xbox Game Pass provides a rotating selection of 100+ games to download and enjoy, including all of Microsoft’s own first-party games (like the recent Forza, Gears of War, and Halo entries). It’s £8 a month just for Game Pass, but you’re better off signing up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles in Xbox Live Gold. You’ll get a lot for your money if you make use of the ample game selection available to you.

33 best Xbox Game Pass titles you need to play today

What about 4K media?

Both the Xbox Series X and Series S can stream video in native 4K resolution from supported services, while the Series X alone can play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. Streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer offer native 4K content for both consoles, while A/V enthusiasts with the Xbox Series X can invest in 4K Blu-rays for the best possible picture.

3) Get some extra gear

If you have a new Xbox console, then a couple of key accessories can help you get the most out of the powerful hardware. Here are a few options to consider.

Xbox Wireless Controller

Microsoft’s new Xbox controller is essentially identical to the Xbox One gamepad, aside from the revised directional pad and share button. Your original Xbox One controllers will still work here, if you want to use those, otherwise it’s useful to grab a second controller for local multiplayer shenanigans.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Fancy a fancier controller? Microsoft’s Xbox Elite controllers are fully compatible with the Series X and Series S and deliver perks such as adjustable-tension analog sticks, swappable sticks and d-pads, and other enhancements. They’re expensive, but for the serious enthusiast, it might be worth the scratch.

Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card

The super-speedy Xbox Series X and Series S are only that way because of incredibly fast solid-state drives within – and your average USB drive isn’t going to do the trick anymore for expandable storage. Instead, Seagate has released these officially licensed 1TB expansion cards, which are very expensive but provide storage that’s just as fast as what’s in each box.

SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Headset

Here’s a gaming headset that falls into the sweet spot of quality, comfort, and compatibility. It’s natively compatible with both of the latest Xbox consoles but works with plenty of other devices, plus it has a comfy fit and stellar reviews. Strap this on for your next online battles.

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.