Hibernate mode on modern consoles allows the device to start up quickly, but it also consumes a lot of power to keep it running in the background (the console is not actually powered off, following all).In order to balance experience and power consumption, Microsoft has now come up with acompromise solution. In its latest test, which is open to Insiders, both Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One will add a new standby option called “Active Duration”. Through it, you can let the device automatically shut down when you are not using it, so as to reduce power consumption. If the player can determine the time period of their play, they can manually set the time. If you want the host to adapt to your habits, there is also a corresponding automatic option in the system.
At the same time, Microsoft has also introduced an “off” energy-saving mode, which is said to control power consumption to one-twentieth of the level of sleep mode while maintaining nightly updates. Of course, following turning on this mode, the host will take longer to start up, and it cannot be woken up remotely. As for the return, it will reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. Speaking of emissions, this update will also introduce Windows 11’s “carbon awareness” feature. As long as the player’s region can provide carbon intensity data, the host can arrange system and game updates as much as possible during the time when the local area relies on renewable energy for power supply.
It’s unclear exactly how much energy these new features will save in the real world, but according to Microsoft’s estimates, two Xboxes with eco-friendly features might save as much carbon as a tree would remove in ten years. However, this result can only be achieved under the assumption that the mainframe is turned off for 20 hours a day, but in any case, it is always positive to protect the environment.