Xbox Series X/S power options: Should you choose Instant-On or Energy-Saving mode?


The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have arrived on the scene, and they bring with them a question: in terms of power, do you want to opt for Instant-On mode or Energy-Saving mode?

This isn't the first time that Microsoft has given players the option of an environmentally-friendly power mode, but you might be wondering what the actually differences are here, and which one is right for you.

READ MORE:Our full review of the Xbox Series X is here!

Keep reading to learn more about power modes on Xbox Series X/S, and which one you should choose...

Xbox Series X power options: Instant-On vs Energy-Saving mode

Your console should explain these two different options for you, but in case you missed it, Xbox has summed up the differences between Instant-On and Energy-Saving modes in a handy Help page online.

As the Help page explains, when you choose Instant-On, you’re able to: start-up faster, wake your console with your voice (where available), and you can even use your console to turn on your TV and cable or satellite.

On the other side of the fence, in energy-saving power mode, your console is shut down to save energy. In this mode, your console takes 45 seconds to start up, and you must press the Xbox button to start the console.

Basically, Instant-On means your console will be that little bit speedier, but it will also be using more power. You'll get a slower start-up with Energy-Saving mode, but you'll also be doing a little bit more to help the planet. That's the choice you have to make, basically.

Personally, I opted for Instant-On because I really wanted to see the next-gen start-up speeds in action, but I'm not against the idea of switching to Energy-Saving mode later on.

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How to change power mode on Xbox Series X and S

Thankfully, this isn't one of those 'once you've chosen, you can't change your mind' situations. Rather, Xbox allows you to change your power settings whenever you want.

If you want to change your Xbox Series X/S power mode from Instant-On to Energy-Saving, or vice-versa, here's what you need to do:

  • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the little 'Guide' menu.
  • Use the D-pad to move over to the right and select the 'Profile & system' menu (which is represented by your Xbox profile picture)
  • From the Profile & System menu, select 'Settings'
  • From the Settings menu, select 'General'
  • From the General menu, select 'Power mode & start-up'
  • Then you can use the 'Power mode' drop-down menu to change your power settings.

READ MORE:The latest Xbox Series X news is here!

For more articles like this, take a look at our How To, Next-Gen, and Xbox pages.