Xbox consoles to get one-time switch to ‘Shutdown’ energy saving power mode, in a bid by Microsoft towards sustainability and cost saving.
Although the Shutdown (energy saving) mode has been the default option since March 2022, many Xbox owners simply changed this to the Sleep (Instant On) mode. This is due to the convenience of not watching load screens on Xbox One and Xbox Series X / S consoles.
Microsoft will soon issue an update that switches all consoles to Shutdown mode, with the option of switching back to the Sleep (Instant On) option. This Shutdown mode uses significant’y less energy to power the console, namely 0.5 watts compared to the 10-15 watts in Sleep mode.
It is worth noting that this change will not affect gameplay or performance of the machine, and will use 20 times less power than if it was on Sleep mode. However, it will affect boot time when fully off, and you will not be able to use certain remote features.

The great thing about this updated sustainability mode is that you can still you can download updates and Xbox Series X games overnight, drawing very little power doing so.
Xbox said: “When your console is plugged in, connected to the Internet and regional carbon intensity data is available, Xbox will schedule game, app, and OS updates for your console at specific times during the nightly maintenance window that may result in lower carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid.”
Active hours
There is an ‘active hours’ setting in the pipeline, too, which uses Sleep mode for certain hours of the day, and then switches to Shutdown mode when you are no longer using the console.
Xbox said: “Another energy setting update that will start to roll out to Xbox Insiders today is the new “Active hours” setting. “For those that select the Sleep power option, you can now adjust your console’s active hours. Your Xbox will boot quickly and will be available for remote wake during your selected active hours. When your Xbox’s active hours are done for the day, it will fully shut down and will draw 0.5 W vs. 10-15 W while active.”
Microsoft’s ultimate goal is to be a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company by 2030. This is something that should be lauded, especially from such a global brand.
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