Think you know everything there is to know about Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S? Well, think again (or consider this a helpful reminder in case you forgot). Microsoft's next-gen consoles promise to take a generational leap for gaming, but they also come with a host of unique features you won't find anywhere else. Without further ado, here are 10 Xbox Series X features you might not know about.
1. Xbox Series X and Series S support Dolby Vision
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(Image credit: Dolby) If you haven't had the pleasure of witnessing HDR yet, it can be a transformative experience for video games. While Xbox Series X and Series S support HDR10, the Dolby Vision HDR format uses dynamic metadata to take HDR gaming to the next level. Dolby Vision has 10 times higher black levels than HDR10, so you can expect excellent contrast levels and spectacular reflections. Here's the bit of news: Dolby Vision won't be coming until 2021, but it's coming to the two new Xbox consoles before the PS5, if Sony decides to support it.
2. Enjoy the dynamic backgrounds on the panel
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Dynamic backgrounds may not seem like much of a problem, especially since they've been available on PS4 for many years, but the Xbox Dashboard will certainly look more alive now that they're here. Other ways to customize the Xbox Dashboard are always welcome, and you can guarantee we'll see some cool additions in the future once the developers create game-specific backgrounds.
3. You can preload the games before your disc arrives
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Waiting for games to download or install is a pain, and if you buy physical games, you have to wait for the disc to arrive before the process begins. Or at least you did. Microsoft has revealed that you can now preload any game from the Microsoft Store, even if you don't own it. Once your disc arrives, you just need to insert it and you're good to go - the disc is license only and all files and updates are already installed. Your game will now be ready to play on day one.
4. The Xbox Family Settings app is a blessing for parents
Worried about what the little ones do when they play on Xbox? Or maybe you'd like more control over how much your kids play during the week? The Xbox Family app seems like a godsend for parents, who might need more help managing a child's overall screen time. With the Xbox Family app, parents can set gaming limits and age restrictions, and even manage who they can connect with. This means that if your child receives a friend request, you can first check it to make sure that he really is a friend, or block it entirely.
5. Quick Resume allows you to pause and resume various games
A game-changing feature if there ever was one, the Xbox Series X and the more affordable Series S support Quick Resume, which lets you pause and resume multiple games at once. While the general limit differs depending on the titles you play, the ability to pick up where you left off across multiple games in about 12 seconds or less means you never have to worry about what you want to play. Not everything will work, mind you, games with persistent online worlds like Sea of Thieves, for example, but Quick Resume is likely to become everyone's favorite new feature.
6. You can choose between three types of spatial audio
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(Image credit: Microsoft) As the PS5 pushes its proprietary 3D audio format, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One owners can choose from three types of spatial audio. There's Windows Sonic, which is completely free, Dolby Atmos, or DTS Headphone:X. The latter two require a license to use, but having a choice means more gamers will find the right spatial solution for them—much more. that everyone's tastes tend to differ when it comes to audio.
7. You can earn rewards just by playing
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(Image credit: Microsoft) Did you know you can earn Microsoft Reward Points just for playing your favorite games? It's true. Whether it's unlocking achievements, completing certain challenges, or purchasing a game from the Microsoft Store, Microsoft Rewards allows you to accumulate points that you can assign to contest entries or convert into coupons. It's very easy to sign up, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. Who doesn't want to get paid to play?
8. Some older games are HDR compatible
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(Image credit: Rockstar) The Xbox Series X is already shaping up to be a fantastic console for backwards compatibility, but one cool new feature is how you can add HDR to older games. This applies to both original Xbox 360 and Xbox titles, some of which were in development almost 20 years ago. GTA 4 for Xbox 360, released in 2008, has been confirmed to support HDR, along with the original Xbox game Fusion Frenzy.
9. You can easily expand your storage
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(Image credit: Xbox) The Xbox Series X comes with an internal 1TB NVMe SSD, allowing for super-fast load times and new features like Fast Resume. However, with game install sizes getting larger with each generation, disk space can be constrained for too long. Fortunately, users can add more storage with Seagate's 1TB Storage Expansion Card, specially designed for Xbox Series X and Series S. It fits into the back of the system, sort of like a memory card, and means you have more space for games if you need it.
10. Your existing Xbox One accessories will work on Xbox Series X / S
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(Image credit: Microsoft) If you've amassed a small collection of custom Xbox One controllers like I have, you'll be relieved to learn that just about any Xbox One accessory will work on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. That means if you has spent. for Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 Controller or you need Xbox Adaptive Controller to start your game, you won't have to part with cash. Basically, everything you use on your Xbox One today only works on newer consoles... with the exception of Kinect. But hey, nobody really cares, right? No I dont think so. So there you have it: 10 Xbox Series X features you may have missed. As November 10 draws closer, we'll soon be able to try out all of these new features first-hand. And who knows? Perhaps more surprises await you on launch day. Today's best Xbox Series X deals