Microsoft has announced that power saving mode on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will now be able to download system and game updates, a feature that was previously reserved for the more power-hungry sleep mode.
Microsoft outlined the change in a blog post on Xbox Wire, which shared the company's plans for Xbox sustainability efforts. Microsoft aims to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, and also revealed that it began incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins into the manufacturing body and various internal components of the Xbox Series S in late 2021.
The company has also used PCR resins in some of its recent Xbox wireless controllers, such as Electric Volt Special Edition and Daystrike Camo. "Both controllers will contain a portion of resins made from recycled materials such as car headlight covers, plastic water jugs, and CDS," Microsoft product marketing director Navin Kumar said. Microsoft also includes 15 colors in the Xbox Design Lab that use PCR resins.
However, it is the switch to energy saving mode that will possibly have the most immediate impact on household bills and the environment. Power saving mode uses approximately 20 times less power than sleep mode and is now the default option when gamers initially set up their console. And with this recent update, it's easy to use on standby if you're on top of your electric bills.
Since your games and Xbox system software will update automatically in this mode, sleep mode is not necessary. Thanks to the lightning-fast SSD in Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the time it takes to boot from power save mode and standby mode is negligible. Quick Resume, Microsoft's clever feature that pauses multiple games at once, also works in power saving mode, so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
We strongly recommend that you stick to power saving mode unless you really can't spare a few extra seconds every time you turn on your console.
To enable power saving mode, go to Settings > Start & sleep mode > Sleep mode > Power saving.
Analysis: a timely and economical upgrade
With the cost of living continuing to rise, it's good to see Microsoft continuing its efforts to be more sustainable, especially as it helps consumers save money on household bills.
The company clearly takes its promises seriously, as it has not only increased its use of PCR resins, but also converted its Xbox gift cards from plastic to cardboard, reducing more than 500.000kg of plastic per year. All Xbox product packaging, products and accessories will also be 100% recyclable in OECD countries by 2030.
Xbox Cloud Gaming also helps reduce environmental impact, since most power consumption occurs during gameplay. % renewable energy by 2025, and can power hundreds of consoles per server over its lifetime.
Interestingly, Microsoft has integrated an enhanced power monitoring system into a small selection of Xbox consoles for an "anonymous, wide-field telemetry collection" that it will use to uncover power-saving opportunities through future updates and improvements.
If you're feeling the effects of rising costs and own an Xbox console, switch to power saving mode today to save money and reduce your personal impact on the environment. The only thing you have to lose is a few seconds of your time.
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