Quick Answer: Yes, you can download and install games on your Xbox one while it’s off, but you need to adjust some settings. Head to ‘General’ settings and in ‘Power options’ select ‘Sleep mode.’ Ensure the ‘When Xbox is off, turn off storage’ option is unticked.

If you need to download a game like Fortnite on your Xbox One but don’t want to leave the console running, you have options.

You may have heard that your Xbox can supposedly download and install games while you’re not using it, but the first time you tried – you woke up to the same install percentage as the night before. What gives?

With this in mind, you might wonder, “do games still download when the Xbox One is off?”

The answer is yes, they do. But your console probably isn’t set up to allow downloads when it isn’t in use. So, let’s fix that.

Do games download when the Xbox One is off

Short Answer: Yes (but you’ll need to dive into the Settings menu to enable it)

Your Xbox One needs to be set to Sleep mode to download games while it’s off. That keeps it in a low-power state, ready to switch on at a moment’s notice.

In addition, It also keeps the network connection and hard drives running.

What is Sleep mode on Xbox One?

Xbox One’s Sleep mode is a feature that allows your console to keep chugging along in the background, even while it looks like it’s taking a nap.

By enabling it, you can take advantage of its power-saving capabilities while it downloads and installs updates, games, and apps. You won’t even have to wait for it to wake up

Think of it as a power nap for your Xbox One. It’s not fully asleep, but it’s not wide awake, either. It’s just dozing off while it gets its work done.

And when you come back to it, everything is updated and ready to go. Pretty cool, right? Here’s how to enable it.

How to download games while your Xbox One is off 

You’ll first need to set your console to Sleep mode to get your Xbox One to download games while it’s off.

READ MORE: The best Xbox controllers

Doing this, the console is in a low-power state and keeps the network connection and hard drives running, so it can quickly switch on when needed.

Here’s how to turn it on.

That’s all you need to do. Now when you turn your Xbox One off via the controller, or it goes to sleep after inactivity, it’ll keep downloading games to install or update.

Download games while your Xbox One is off with the right settings

Once you have the correct settings, your Xbox One console will download games while it’s off. This is a great way to download your games without keeping your console on the entire time.

Just start a game download, and you can let the console go to sleep or turn it off yourself.

When you return, the game will either still be downloading or finished, so you can hop in and start gaming.

And yes, you can still play games while they’re downloading on the Xbox One, just in case you were wondering.

Are there any downsides to using Sleep mode on Xbox One?

One of the downsides is that it does use a bit more power than just turning off your console completely.

So, if you’re worried about your energy bill, it might be a good idea to turn off Sleep mode and manually download and install updates and games when you’re not using your Xbox.

Another thing to consider is that sometimes things can go wrong with your network connection or with the console itself while it’s in Sleep mode.

This could result in some updates or downloads failing, which can be a real bummer. But hey, don’t let that scare you off from using Sleep mode altogether.

Can you turn off Xbox while downloading a game?

It’s happened to all of us – you start downloading a hot new game on your Xbox and then realize you need to head out or power down.

But what actually happens if you flip that power switch while a download’s still in progress? Will it wipe out all your hard-earned progress?

Fortunately, the tech wizards at Xbox have thought of this scenario. If you need to turn off your console mid-download, you can safely pause the process first without losing anything.

• Just head to My games & apps
• Select the Queue tab
• And pause the download you’ve got going.

The progress will then pick up right where you left off next time you power up. With this trick, you can duck out to join the real world without derailing your game download – crisis averted!

Just make sure you pause first rather than just powering down directly. Once you resume, it may take a few minutes to spin those download servers back up, so stay patient. But your precious progress will still be waiting.

As long as you keep those few things in mind, it’s a handy feature that can make your gaming experience even more enjoyable.

What do you think? Plan on using this feature on your console? Let us know down below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

The post Do games download when the Xbox One is off? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: To connect an Xbox controller to PC, you can use an Xbox Wireless adapter, Bluetooth, or directly wiring it with a cord.

Some people play games with a good old-fashioned keyboard and mouse – they will die on that hill. For the majority of people, however, a game controller is an absolute necessity.

Sure, you could head to a local thrift store and buy some knockoff brand controller, but most people will connect an Xbox controller to their PC and hit the ground running.

In the modern era of gaming and computing, it’s not too difficult to do. But how do you connect an Xbox controller to your PC? There’s a handful of answers to that question. So, we’ll break it down here in this article.

This how-to will directly be talking about both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X|S controllers. In some situations, if you’re still rolling with your old Xbox 360 controller, it may work. But, no promises.

Methods to Connect an Xbox Controller to PC

Using a Wired Connection to Connect Xbox Controller to PC

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get gaming without a lot of technical needs, plugging the controller directly into your PC’s USB port is the best way.

All you need for this method is to get the compatible cord into the top of your Xbox controller. This could be a micro-USB or USB-C.

• Step 1. Plug the controller into the cord.
• Step 2. Plug in the cord’s USB end to the PC.
• Step 3. Give Windows a moment to identify it.
• Step 4. Enjoy your game! Seriously, it’s that easy.

When directly plugged in, you also get the benefit of the PC powering the controller. Although you deal with a cord in this method, you also save a ton on batteries and recharge time.

If you use the other two methods and your battery drains out while you’re in the middle of a game, use this method, and it’ll get you back into the game immediately.

Using Bluetooth to Connect Xbox Controller to PC

Cords are messy and get in the way. You want a permanent solution that doesn’t have a dangling piece of plastic. We get it. The good news is that most of the modern Xbox controllers have built-in Bluetooth. If your controller and your PC both do, you’re in luck.

The easy way to tell, if you’re using an Xbox-branded controller, is to look at the plastic around the Xbox button. If the Xbox button is part of the same face of the controller it terms of color, you have Bluetooth.

Windows 8, 10, and 11 all have similar ways to do this. So, it shouldn’t be too different between the three offerings in terms of steps.

Step 1. Open up your Windows system Settings and head to the “Bluetooth & devices” option.

Step 2. Ensure you have Bluetooth built-into your PC or as a separate dongle and make sure it’s turned “on” in the settings.

Step 3. Click “Add Device”.

Step 4. Choose “Bluetooth”.

Step 5. Turn the controller on with the Xbox button on the controller and it’ll turn on a solid light. Hold the top tiny button on your Xbox controller until the Xbox button on the controller starts to blink.

Step 6. Your controller should pop up as an option on the list of Bluetooth items on your PC. Choose it to pair and give it a moment to start working.

Step 7. The blinking Xbox button should be solid by now. Enjoy your game.

Also, we’d like to note that if you don’t unpair the controller from your PC, you don’t have to do this step-by-step every time. Just turn on the controller with the Xbox button and you’re good to go. If you take your controller to another PC or Xbox console, you’ll have to redo this, though.

Using Xbox Wireless Adapter to Connect Xbox Controller to PC

Let’s say you hate cords, but your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth. Or maybe you’re still rocking an older Xbox controller before they added the built-in Bluetooth. There’s still one last option for you. You can get yourself an Xbox Wireless Adapter!

The good news here is that this method is pretty similar to the Bluetooth method above.

Step 1. Open up your Windows system Settings and head to the “Bluetooth & devices” option.

Step 2. Plug in the Xbox Wireless Adapter dongle into your USB port and give it a moment to make sure it’s got the drivers set correctly. Hold the button on it until the light flashes.

Step 3. Click “Add Device”.

Step 4. Choose “Everything Else”. Generally, it also mentions “Xbox controllers with an Xbox Wireless Adapter” directly below it. Again, they’ve laid it all out for you once you get this far.

Step 5. Turn the controller on with the Xbox button on the controller and it’ll turn on a solid light. Hold the top tiny button on your Xbox controller until the Xbox button on the controller starts to blink.

Step 6. Your controller should pop up as an option on the list of pairable items on your PC. Choose it to pair and give it a moment to start working.

Step 7. The blinking Xbox button should be solid by now. Enjoy your game.

This method is the tried and true method that’s been around for years. But, it seems that Windows 11 doesn’t “officially” support this. It still should work either way.

Troubleshooting Xbox Controller Connection Issues

There are times that your controller may not fully work when connecting. The best troubleshooting for each method is pretty simple. For a more intense breakdown of troubleshooting your situation, check out our article on fixing a connection from a controller to a PC. For a simple layout, based on the different pairing methods, try our ideas

I’m having trouble connecting my Xbox controller via USB

If you’re plugging your controller in directly via USB and having trouble connecting, it’s definitely the USB cord itself. Ensure that the controller is turned on, then try unplugging both ends and reconnecting them. If that doesn’t work, try another USB cable. As long as the controller itself is working properly, that should solve your connection problems.

I’m having trouble connecting my Xbox controller via Bluetooth

If you’re connecting to your PC via Bluetooth, try going into your Bluetooth settings. You might have built-in Bluetooth and you’ll have to configure it in the “Bluetooth and devices” settings tab. If you’re using an add-on Bluetooth dongle, try unplugging it and re-plugging it back in. There could be drivers involved with a third party device.

You’re going to have to ensure that Bluetooth is on and searching for something to pair with, which can be slightly different for various brands and options out there.

You also need to make sure that your controller even has Bluetooth capabilities. Microsoft added the Bluetooth functionality in 2017, so early Xbox One controllers didn’t have it built-in at all. This goes with many alternate brands, such as various older Scuf or Turtle Beach models.

I’m having trouble connecting my Xbox controller via Xbox Wireless Dongle

We recommend removing the dongle from your USB port and re-plugging it back in. Hold the button on the dongle until it starts blinking the light. Then, as it’s blinking, grab your controller and turn it on. Hold the top small button near the USB port until the Xbox icon button starts blinking. They will both stop blinking after a moment and it’s connected now.

Frequently Asked Questions on Connecting Xbox Controller to PC

Can I Connect Xbox One Controller to PC without a Wireless Adapter?

In 2017, Microsoft started adding Bluetooth support built into their controllers. If you own a controller made prior to then, you’re locked out of using the Bluetooth method. But, the other two methods are still viable and perfectly accessible.

How Many Xbox Controllers Can You Connect to PC?

This answer depends on your method of connection. Using Bluetooth, only one. Using the Xbox Wireless Adapter, it can support up to eight. By plugging in with a USB, infinite as long as you have USB ports that can power it.

Can you connect controllers that are not Xbox branded to a PC?

In a word, yes. If it’s designed for an Xbox system at all, use the methods above. Some controllers, such as the Turtle Beach Recon controller, only support wired USB connections, so each controller is different. Make sure you’re reading the individual capabilities before you buy.

You might not want to use an Xbox controller at all. You might use a Sony DualSense or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Both of those can be connected using the USB plug-in option or the Bluetooth options.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Short Answer: No, Genshin Impact is not available on Xbox and continues to deny users the chance to swing a sword alongside Amber, Lumine, or any other enchanting characters in the expansive world of Teyvat.

This might come as a sad tune for those who’ve been sharpening their Anemo Sword and patiently awaiting the arrival of Genshin Impact on Xbox, but alas, we bring more disheartening news.

Genshin Impact is available on virtually every other platform, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Android, and iOS.

However, the bustling Xbox community finds themselves left out in the cold as if they’re somehow stuck at Dragonspine without a Warming Bottle.

So, what’s the deal? Is Genshin Impact playable on Xbox? Will it ever come to Xbox?

Can you play Genshin Impact on Xbox?

Short answer: No, not at this time, at least. 

This game not being on Xbox makes people wonder what is stopping this popular action RPG from reaching more players.

This exclusion of Xbox gamers has many pondering what could be holding back the popular action RPG from extending its reach further.

Is there a Genshin Impact Xbox release date?

Online rumors claim that Microsoft may have passed on the opportunity to include Genshin Impact on Xbox.

Despite the game’s unmatched success elsewhere, the consoles are seemingly receiving a cold shoulder, leaving one to question if there is even hope left for them.

The vibrant lands of Mondstadt and Liyue beckon gamers into a luscious, fantastical universe brimming with adventure, exploration, and skillful combat, making its absence on Xbox nothing short of a cruel mystery.

Genshin Impact on Xbox seems doubtful at this point

Why must fate toy with our hearts, denying Xbox loyalists the succulent nourishment of an open-world, gacha-driven delight?

And yet, here we are, and we still don’t know yet if this sad situation will resolve itself soon.

Still, the desire for a day when Windblume Festival celebrations bring together players from all platforms continues to grow among players.

Until such a moment materializes, Xbox users are left clutching their controller, gazing longingly at the forbidden world of Teyvat, gritting their teeth, and hoping for a miracle to bridge the gap once and for all.

Hang in there, Xbox faithful — your time may yet come. In the meantime, rumor has it Dendro will change everything; we sure hope it changes more than just elemental reactions.

Keep this in below; I’m going to format it differently. I did the first one for you to give you an example. See if you can mimic it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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EON has made a name for itself with video adapters for new-age televisions and screens over the years. Their Super 64 adapter, for instance, made it so people could enjoy their old Nintendo 64 in HD.

Well, you can dust off your big ole original Xbox now because an adapter is available for it called the “XBHD.”

OG Xbox in the modern day? Sign me up!

Coming June 20th, 2023, the XBHD offers a ton of options for people wanting to play Halo 2 or The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

We’re looking at output options of 480i, 480p, 720p, and even 1080i. Don’t worry; the audio will be clear as well with a 3.5mm MiniTOSLINK jack.

Considering this is a plug-and-play design, there’s no need for any mods or special software.

EON opted for a slick design that actually looks good and matches the look of the OG Xbox.

But that’s not all. They thought ahead and remembered that many Xbox fans would connect their systems using LAN. The adapter offers three Ethernet ports for easy access to LANs. With lossless output as well, the price is well worth it.

In addition, there are two HDMI ports for multiple simultaneous streaming options.

This becomes a fantastic tool for anyone looking to play their original Xbox games, such as Crimson Skies, on Twitch or YouTube. It just connects, get it plugged up properly with no need for any additional power source, and you can play.

With ease of access to so many classic Xbox games, it’s likely that this is a niche tool for hardcore Xbox fans.

But, there are a good handful of games that are trapped on the classic console with no potential re-release due to things like licensing and IP rights.

So when can you buy it? You’ll be able to find the EON XBHD Xbox adapter on June 20th for $189.99 on Amazon.

Many of your favorite Xbox games have made their way to PC over the years. If you don’t have an original Xbox, you could just play them on the go with the Asus ROG.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Quick Answer: Yes, the Xbox One is backward compatible with the Xbox 360. However, it is important to note that not all Xbox 360 games are compatible with the Xbox One.

So you finally upgraded to an Xbox One from your Xbox 360. That’s cool, but what about all the games and achievements and more importantly, save files that you collected on your older console?

One of the biggest issues with consoles and updating to newer versions is that, depending on your situation, those old consoles and games are traded in or forgotten in a closet because your new console doesn’t work with those classic games.

Is the Xbox One backwards compatible with the 360 and original Xbox?

Short answer: Yes, but you’ll still need to do a bit of research to figure out which games work

So, Microsoft did something super cool with the Xbox One, backwards compatibility. That means you could (in theory) stick an Xbox or Xbox 360 game disc into the drive on the Xbox One, and have it run as if it was on the original console.

Except… what happened is that Microsoft ported a growing selection of older games to be able to run on the Xbox One.

That means you could still play them, but only if they were on the list. Currently, there are 575 from the Xbox 360 era, and 41 from the original Xbox.

What’s even cooler is that Microsoft also made it possible to transfer game save files from the Xbox 360 to the Xbox One. All you have to do is save those files to the cloud from your Xbox 360. Simple.

What do you think? Do you use your Xbox One to play older Xbox games? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Is the Xbox One backward compatible with the Xbox 360? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Yes, you can legally share your digital game library with someone else. That way, they can still play your games even when not in your house.

But what is gameshare, and how easy can you add it to your console? We’ll break that all down below.

Things you should know about Gamesharing on Xbox

Before you get started on the Gameshare setup for Xbox One, you’ll need to have a couple things readily available.

Any two from the following Xbox consoles: Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One S All Digital, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, as well as internet access (for both consoles). You also need the Xbox account login details for you and your friend.

This part is extremely important, and you will not want to gameshare with just anyone. Sharing login details should only be done between people you trust, as there is always the chance someone could abuse your login.

How many people can you Gameshare with on Xbox?

If you want to know how many people you can gameshare with at once, we’ve got you covered. Gamesharing on Xbox is limited to two people at once.

That’s you and the other person involved. You must stop game sharing with the original person and set up two consoles again to game share with another person.

Game share doesn’t work with physical game discs. You can lend these to a friend, but you can’t play simultaneously.

How to Gameshare on Xbox One

To begin, ensure that you have two Xbox Live accounts and a pair of Xbox One consoles, both connected to the internet. Ideally, you and a close friend or family member should each have one of these setups.

Now you’ve got one Xbox console set up to game share. Now, it’s time to set up the second console.

Now set up the other console

Take your friend’s Xbox Live login details, and boot up your Xbox console. Then you follow the same steps as above, using your friend’s login.

When you are finished, you will have the following set up:

• Your Xbox console: Designated as your friend’s Home Console
• Their Xbox console: Set as your Home Console

Now you can both play each other’s libraries. If you want to change your home Xbox to game share with another friend, you can.

Just know that Microsoft limits the number of times you can change the home Xbox to five per year.

What content can you gameshare?

You can share almost everything on your Xbox account. Those include:

• Your Xbox Live Gold subscription
• Games and downloadable content from the Microsoft Store
• Games from an Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription

Microsoft says you can’t share game-specific content or in-game currency. You also can’t share some “pre-order or special edition content that can only be redeemed once.”

That’s a very small set of restrictions, considering how many games and DLC you do get access to.

The other thing you share — and it is the reason we recommend only doing those with trusted people — is the ability to make purchases on the Xbox account being shared.

So, again, be careful who you gameshare with, it could have financial risk.

What if Xbox gameshare isn’t working?

Have you noticed that game sharing isn’t working on your Xbox? Can’t load any of your games? Check your internet connection.

That’s because, for gameshare to work, you need to be connected to the internet. If offline, your Xbox will only be able to play disc-based games or those downloaded by the owner’s account.

No internet means no games, no Xbox Live Gold, and no Game Pass.

You should also check if your account is logged in on the Xbox you are trying to play on. Because someone else’s console is designated as your home Xbox, you have to be signed in.

Xbox Game Sharing is a great way to connect to new games

Gamesharing your Xbox library is great. You can save money, try games you wouldn’t have bought, and play multiplayer with your buddy.

It’s also the best way to access your games quickly if you have multiple Xbox consoles. That means the whole family can get in on the fun, and you can create gaming memories that last a lifetime.

What do you think? Plan on using Xbox’s Gameshare feature? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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In a new press release, Microsoft and Nvidia shared the details of their new partnership. The deal will bring Xbox PC games to GeForce Now for at least the next 10 years.

“Xbox remains committed to giving people more choice and finding ways to expand how people play,” says Xbox CEO Phil Spencer in the release.

Nvidia’s Jeff Fisher follows up by saying, “through this partnership, more of the world’s most popular titles will now be available from the cloud with just a click, playable by millions more gamers.”

The deal offers Nvidia GeForce Now subscribers the chance to buy and play Xbox games that are already on PC through the cloud.

You’ll still have to purchase the games, but you don’t have to worry about downloads or a costly gaming PC.

This is part of Microsoft’s effort to look inclusive in the gaming space amidst its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Several entities, including Sony and the FTC, are pushing back against the deal.

Nvidia was seemingly against the acquisition at one point, but this deal may change things. A lot of the pushback around the acquisition involves Call of Duty.

But Microsoft has signed deals to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo, and now Nvidia GeForce Now, for the next 10 years. The company is doing its best to ensure its acquisition won’t be anti-competitive.

We still have to wait and see what happens with Microsoft’s Activision acquisition, but these new deals are starting to look good for Nintendo and GeForce Now users.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Xbox PC games are coming to GeForce Now in new Microsoft deal appeared first on KnowTechie.

UPDATE 2/21/2023: Microsoft President Brad Smith confirmed on Twitter that Microsoft and Nintendo have signed a contract promising to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo consoles for 10 years. Games will release on Nintendo the same day as Xbox and include all of the same content. This is an effort to defend its purchase of Activision Blizzard as the FTC attempts to block the deal.

Microsoft revealed it will fully support Nintendo consoles with Call of Duty games for 10 years this week.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, shared news of the company’s new commitment on Twitter. In addition to Nintendo, Microsoft committed to offering Call of Duty to PC gamers through Steam in the future.

The last time Call of Duty was available on a Nintendo console was in 2013. Call of Duty: Ghosts launched on the Wii U alongside Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

Since then, Nintendo gamers haven’t been able to join the Call of Duty community.

But that could all change if regulators approve Xbox’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The acquisition is currently under review by regulators in the United States and Europe.

Xbox already addressed previous concerns about the Call of Duty franchise leaving PlayStation consoles once the deal is done.

The company recently committed to 10 years of Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles.

It is believed that the PlayStation and Nintendo announcements are meant to appease regulators. While we don’t know exactly if these commitments will make regulators happy, it certainly helps Xbox’s case.

Xbox could make a major power play if it limited Activision Blizzard games to Xbox consoles after the acquisition. But for now, it doesn’t look like that’s Xbox’s plan for the future.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Microsoft commits to 10 years of Call of Duty on Nintendo appeared first on KnowTechie.

Quick Answer: It’s a short list, but it’s growing. But some games include Metro Exodus, Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, Grand Theft Auto V, Hitman 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and more.

The Xbox Series X|S supports ray tracing, which simulates how light naturally behaves inside the game environment.

That makes for more realistic visuals, but it was too much for earlier consoles to handle. Thankfully, that is starting to change with the latest generation of consoles.

The custom AMD silicon inside the Xbox Series X|S has enough power to enable this new tech.

But we all know technical performance doesn’t mean anything if there aren’t any games to take advantage of it.

For now, game developers must enable it, so how many have added it to their games so far?

Which games feature ray tracing on Xbox Series X|S?

Short answer: It’s a short list, but growing

If you want to take full advantage of your Xbox Series X or S, you’ll want to know which games have ray tracing.

Here are all the current Xbox Series X|S ray tracing games:

We will continue updating this list as more games with ray tracing are made available.

Software vs. hardware-accelerated ray tracing

Here’s the thing – ray tracing isn’t a new technology. It’s been around since 1969, when Arthur Appel coined the phrase while working at IBM.

Think of light in the real world.

Everything you see is because of light rays that bounce off and into your eyes. If you could trace every light ray back to its source, that’s ray tracing.

What is new is being able to do it in real time, as it’s a very resource-intensive process.

Think of almost every movie you’ve seen since the 70s with some level of special computer effects.

Chances are those used ray tracing, and the computation for it was done offline, taking hours per frame of footage.

It wasn’t until the latest generations of computer graphics cards and consoles that hardware-accelerated, real-time ray tracing was possible.

Some video games, like Gears 5, use software-based ray tracing, so the feature can work on any hardware.

Some, like Metro: Exodus, need hardware like Nvidia’s RT and Tensor cores.

Does ray tracing impact game performance?

Yes, enabling ray tracing can impact game performance, as it requires additional processing power. The exact impact will depend on the game and the hardware being used.

Can I turn off ray tracing in Xbox Series X|S games?

Yes, many Xbox Series X|S games allow you to disable ray tracing if you prefer to prioritize other graphical effects or performance.

The option to disable ray tracing is usually found in the game’s settings menu.

Ray tracing is here to stay

Now that the Xbox Series X|S supports ray tracing, as well as the current generation of graphics cards for PC, expect this list to grow.

We’ll periodically update the list as we hear of more games that include the tech. But hopefully, this answered your question on what games have ray tracing.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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If you have a new Microsoft console and want to take your gaming experience to the next level, setting up a soundbar for Xbox Series X or Series S is a great first step.

Your TV speakers are passable at best and will not blow you away. Adding a soundbar to your system will take your audio experience to the next level.

Additionally, the best gaming experience is enhanced by a soundbar, especially if you get one that supports the Xbox Series X|S’s best audio feature – Dolby Atmos.

When coupled to your TV and console, an Xbox soundbar that supports HDMI ARC, or eARC, will turn your battlestation into a cinematic masterpiece.

How to connect a soundbar to your Xbox Series X|S

To start, you’ll need an HDMI ARC-enabled soundbar, a TV, and your Xbox Series X or Series S:

When Microsoft designed the Xbox Series X|S, they opted to go without an optical port.

According to the company, gamers weren’t using the port. So this helped save space on the new consoles.

With that out of the way, let’s get started connecting a Dolby Atmos soundbar to your Xbox Series X or Series S.

That’s all you have to do to get your soundbar hooked up to your Xbox Series X|S. Now it’s time to set up surround sound.

How to set up surround sound on Xbox Series X|S

Setup varies depending on your connection method and which types of surround sound your soundbar can support.

For a non-Dolby Atmos soundbar, open Settings on your Xbox. Then, navigate to General > Volume & audio output.

Then choose your audio format based on your hardware configuration:

• Soundbar without surround: Choose Stereo Uncompressed
• Soundbar with surround and HDMI: Select either 5.1 Uncompressed or 7.1 Uncompressed
• Soundbar with surround and optical: Select Bitstream Out, then choose either DTS Digital Surround or Dolby Digital as the format

About Dolby Atmos

You’ll need the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft store installed on your Xbox to get Dolby Atmos working.

Once installed, ignore any prompts to buy a license – that’s only for some Atmos-enabled headphones.

Go back into Settings > Volume & audio output and look for Speaker audio.

Select Bitstream out, then choose Dolby Atmos for Home Theater as the format.

Add a soundbar to take your Xbox gaming experience to the next level

If you value your entertainment and want to get the most out of your nice TV and game console, a soundbar is a relatively affordable way to improve the experience.

It gets even better when your soundbar is connected and working with Dolby Atmos.

So if this is an option, don’t hesitate to set up a soundbar with your Xbox Series X|S.

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The post How to connect a soundbar to your Xbox Series X appeared first on KnowTechie.