Microsoft has recently updated the Xbox Energy Usage page. Thanks to this new feature, the Xbox console will allow gamers to access more information to determine if the energy savings are worth the loss in convenience. The potentially dangerous Xbox Series X environmental side effect known as the “instant start” feature has been criticized by climate scientists for using as much energy as a coal-fired power plant.
In the US alone, only two-thirds of users keep their Xbox in standby mode, which would cost around $500 million. Fortunately, the new Xbox Series X/S update will give gamers access to more information about Xbox power usage, which will help alleviate environmental concerns.
Tom Warren, the editor of The Verge, shared on Twitter that the Xbox update will include a power usage screen that will show that “power saving” and “standby” have been changed to “off” and “sleep”. “and “sleep” to better understand what each mode actually means. The amount of power the Xbox console will now use depends on each mode, which should allow gamers to make a more informed decision as to whether the convenience is worth the extra amount in their energy bill.
The power-saving update will be released to members of the Xbox Insider Program first but should be released to the rest of the public in the near future. According to PureXbox, ‘off’ mode uses 26 times less energy than ‘standby’ mode, and this update should further clarify this power analysis. Furthermore, the Xbox range of consoles is not the only one with a rest mode, although there have been reported issues with the PS5 rest mode feature which may keep gamers from using it as much. However, the concerns surrounding these features are relevant to both consoles, not just the Xbox.
