The Xbox Series X and S have been available for over five years, and users are still uncovering hidden gems within their functionality. A recent discovery on the Xbox subreddit has highlighted a quick and easy way to put your console into idle mode, a feature surprisingly unknown to many. This revelation sparks curiosity about what other functionalities might still be underutilized by the average Xbox owner.
This newly discovered shortcut involves simply holding down the Xbox button on your controller and then pressing “X.” This instantly puts the console into idle mode, offering a convenient way to pause downloads, reduce screen brightness when stepping away, or simply conserve energy. This feature isn’t exclusive to the Series X|S; it also works on Xbox One consoles.
The revelation of this feature on Reddit sparked a wave of surprise and gratitude among Xbox users. Many commented that they were unaware of this functionality, despite owning the console for years. Some lamented the time they could have saved during long downloads had they known about this simple shortcut. This raises questions about the effectiveness of communication regarding console features and the onboarding process for new users.
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The original Reddit post highlighted the irony of the idle screen navigation options being accessible via the shoulder buttons and the “Y” button, even though the controller often powers off automatically while the console is idle. This discovery provides a more practical use for these idle screen controls. Users can now actively choose to put their console into idle mode and utilize these navigation options if needed.
This revelation begs the question: what other convenient features are hidden within the Xbox Series X|S ecosystem? If a simple shortcut like this remained undiscovered for five years, it’s likely other quality-of-life improvements are also flying under the radar. This emphasizes the need for clearer communication and perhaps a more proactive approach to highlighting lesser-known features to enhance the user experience.
This simple yet effective shortcut adds another layer of convenience to the Xbox Series X|S experience. While it may seem like a small detail, it demonstrates that even years after launch, there are still hidden gems to be discovered within these powerful consoles. It also highlights the importance of community forums like Reddit in sharing knowledge and tips that can improve the gaming experience for everyone.
