MICROSOFT'S Xbox Series consoles are the first ever to offer carbon-aware game downloads and updates. This year, Xbox started reducing its carbon footprint by optimizing updates and downloads to run at a time when the console can use the most renewable energy. One year prior, Windows Update became carbon-aware for computers running on Windows 11.

But now, Xbox consoles also made the jump. Microsoft explains that when a console is plugged in, and connected to the Internet, Xbox will schedule game, app, and operating system updates for your console at times during the nightly maintenance window which results in lower carbon emissions. This happens because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid.

For example, instead of your Xbox waking up during the maintenance window between 2 and 6 am, the console will wake up at a time when it can use the most renewable energy in your local energy grid. Microsoft says this decreases fossil fuel dependency and CO2 emissions, and could even potentially save customers money on their electric bills when gaming. This update is only currently available to customers apart of Xbox Insiders, a program that gives Microsoft gamers special deals and perks.

Xbox Insiders will now notice that their Xbox Series consoles are automatically updated to default on the energy-saving power option. This one-time update to your power settings will reduce the power consumption of the console while it is off. It doe.