Xbox Series S - what do I need?

[Gav76]

The kids want a next gen console for xmas and since the xbox series S is the only one thats available and probably will be in the near future, what are all the things that I need to get/setup to make sure we're good to go when they open it?

Console - for sure
2 controllers - at least
FIFA 22 - or I can forget the whole thing

but what about things like Xbox games pass, Xbox live Gold, EA Play? They'll only play on the console, at least at the start, so cross cloud gaming probably isn't required.

And any accessories that make sense, I see lots of charging docks, or second batteries for controllers.

Any help/hints/pointers much appreciated 🙏

 

[LW93]

With the Xbox pass ultimate or whatever it is called, that includes game pass, ea play, and Xbox live all under one subscription I believe!

 

[PMac]

I use Venom rechargeable batteries but maybe a Venom double docking station would be the way to go.

 

[Rich-D]

With the Xbox pass ultimate or whatever it is called, that includes game pass, ea play, and Xbox live all under one subscription I believe!

It does

There is also a console only version of Gamepass for £7.99 a month rather than ultimate at £10.99 a month, which also includes PC games & cloud gaming, so if you don't need them get the cheaper one.

 

[-KarL-]

As above i have the venom charging station for the controllers https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LS3ZCJG/?tag=cliospnet01-21

Are they sharing the console or getting one each? you can game share so you will only have to buy the game they want once but has to be a digital copy.

Might also be worth setting the console up before hand and installing the games or they will be in for a wait on Christmas morning

 

[Rich-D]

Are they sharing the console or getting one each? you can game share so you will only have to buy the game they want once but has to be a digital copy.

No other option on the Series S, there's no optical drive!

I'd also invest in an external USB HDD for more games storage, as you'll soon fill the internal 512gb HDD, there's actually only 364GB of useable space and Forza Horizon 5 is 109GB alone for example.

 

[-KarL-]

No other option on the Series S, there's no optical drive!

I'd also invest in an external USB HDD for more games storage, as you'll soon fill the internal 512gb HDD, there's actually only 364GB of useable space and Forza Horizon 5 is 109GB alone for example.

Ahhh forgot about that!

 

[Gav76]

Thanks everyone! So I'm off to add;
- the rechargable dock - at least theres a chance to stop them playing for a bit rather than just taking new batteries
- Gamepass console only , good tip 👍
- set it up before and try not to get caught playing Forza 5

 

[Rich-D]

Thanks everyone! So I'm off to add;
- the rechargable dock - at least theres a chance to stop them playing for a bit rather than just taking new batteries
- Gamepass console only , good tip 👍
- set it up before and try not to get caught playing Forza 5

Plus something like this for when you very quickly fill the internal storage...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07997KKSK/?tag=cliospnet01-21

 

[-KarL-]

And an additional controller as it will only come with one.

 

[Rich-D]

I had a 1TB Toshiba Canvio basics on my OG XBox one for years, very reliable.

There's an official 1TB Seagate expansion card for the Series X/S models, which is expensive, but you can still use an external USB3 HDD for games.