Buy Games On Xbox Series S: A Simple Guide

by Alex Braham 43 views

So, you've got your shiny new Xbox Series S, and you're itching to dive into some gaming! Awesome! But how exactly do you buy games on this sleek, disc-free console? Don't worry, guys, it's super straightforward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start building your digital game library.

Understanding the Xbox Series S and Digital Games

Okay, first things first. The Xbox Series S is an all-digital console, which means it doesn't have a disc drive. This means you can buy games in the following ways:

  • Xbox Store: This is your primary source for purchasing and downloading digital games directly to your console.
  • Xbox Game Pass: A subscription service that gives you access to a library of games for a monthly fee. You can download and play any game in the Game Pass catalog as long as your subscription is active.
  • Xbox Website/App: You can also purchase games through the Xbox website or the Xbox app on your phone or PC, and they'll automatically download to your console (as long as you have remote download enabled, which we'll cover later).
  • Retailers: Some retailers sell digital game codes that you can redeem on your Xbox.

This focus on digital downloads makes buying games slightly different from traditional consoles with disc drives, but it's a seamless and convenient process once you get the hang of it. Let's dive into the details of each method. Now, let's get you set up so that you can start getting new games on your console with the least amount of problems as possible. From going over the initial setup, getting to the store, and actually buying and downloading a game, we will go over all of it so you can get your game on without a problem. You will learn how to get and browse new games with ease, and before you know it, you'll be diving into the many games this new generation of gaming has to offer, so strap in, and let's go!

Setting Up Your Xbox Series S for Digital Purchases

Before you can start buying games, you'll need to make sure your Xbox Series S is properly set up and connected to the internet. Here's a quick rundown:

  1. Connect to the Internet: During the initial setup, you'll be prompted to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you have a stable internet connection, as downloading games requires a decent bandwidth. A wired connection (Ethernet cable) is always recommended for the fastest and most reliable download speeds.. But, a wireless connection is more than enough, just make sure you are close to your router or have a strong signal from where the console is placed.
  2. Sign in to Your Microsoft Account: You'll need a Microsoft account to access the Xbox Store and manage your purchases. If you don't already have one, you can create one for free on the Xbox website or directly on your console. Make sure you remember your username and password! You will need them to get access to the store and your user profile. If you don't have one, the console will automatically let you create a new one, and its really simple to do, you just need an email address and you are good to go!
  3. Add a Payment Method: To buy games, you'll need to add a payment method to your Microsoft account. You can use a credit card, debit card, PayPal account, or Xbox gift card. You can add or manage your payment methods through the Xbox website or on your console under Settings > Account > Payment & billing.

With these steps done, you are ready to start browsing the store and looking at the many amazing games that the Xbox Series S has to offer. From Indie games to AAA titles, the store has a huge variety of games for you to try out and enjoy, and the library of games keeps growing every single day! Now that you have your account set up, let's get to the actual store and buying a game.

Browsing and Buying Games on the Xbox Store

The Xbox Store is your digital storefront for all things Xbox. Here's how to navigate it and find the games you want:

  1. Accessing the Store: From the Xbox dashboard, navigate to the Store tab. You'll find it on the main menu, usually represented by a shopping bag icon.
  2. Exploring the Store: Once in the Store, you can browse through different categories like New Releases, Top Sellers, Deals, and Genres. Use the search function to find specific games.
  3. Game Pages: When you find a game that interests you, select it to view its details. The game page will show you screenshots, trailers, descriptions, reviews, and the price.
  4. Making a Purchase: If you decide to buy a game, click the "Buy" button. You'll be prompted to confirm your payment method. Once confirmed, the game will be added to your account and begin downloading automatically.
  5. Downloading the Game: You can see the download progress by going to My Games & Apps > Queue. Once the download is complete, you can launch the game from your home screen or from within My Games & Apps.

It's that simple! Keep an eye out for sales and deals to snag games at discounted prices. The Xbox Store regularly features weekly deals and seasonal sales, so you can save some serious cash. And the best part is you don't even need to leave the comfort of your couch to buy a new game.

Xbox Game Pass: A Gaming Buffet

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to a large library of games for a monthly fee. It's like Netflix for video games! Here's how it works:

  1. Subscribing to Game Pass: You can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass through the Xbox Store or on the Xbox website. There are different tiers of Game Pass, including Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Xbox Live Gold (required for online multiplayer) and access to games on both Xbox and PC.
  2. Browsing the Game Pass Library: Once you're subscribed, you can browse the Game Pass library through the Game Pass app on your Xbox. The app shows you all the games that are currently available to download and play.
  3. Downloading and Playing Games: Simply select a game from the Game Pass library and click the "Install" button. The game will download to your console, and you can play it as long as your Game Pass subscription is active.

Game Pass is a fantastic value, especially if you like to try out a variety of games. The library is constantly updated with new games being added and some being removed, so there's always something new to discover. It's a great way to play a lot of games without breaking the bank! You also don't have to worry about choosing which game you want to play since you have so many options available at a single time. The choice is yours!

Buying Games Through the Xbox Website or App

You don't even need to be at your console to buy games! You can also purchase games through the Xbox website or the Xbox app on your phone or PC. Here's how:

  1. Log in to Your Microsoft Account: Go to the Xbox website (xbox.com) or open the Xbox app on your device and log in with your Microsoft account.
  2. Browse the Store: Navigate to the Xbox Store section of the website or app.
  3. Find a Game: Search for the game you want to buy.
  4. Make a Purchase: Click the "Buy" button and confirm your payment method.
  5. Remote Download: If your Xbox is set to "Instant-On" power mode (Settings > General > Power mode & startup), the game will automatically download to your console. If not, it will download the next time you turn on your Xbox and connect to Xbox Live.

Buying games remotely is super convenient if you want to start a download while you're away from home so that it's ready to play when you get back. This is an incredible feature that many overlook, but it really helps save time and makes sure your games are ready to be played as soon as you are.

Redeeming Digital Game Codes

Sometimes, you might receive a digital game code from a retailer or as part of a promotion. Here's how to redeem it on your Xbox Series S:

  1. On Your Xbox: From the Xbox dashboard, go to the Store tab.
  2. Select "Redeem": Look for the "Redeem" option (usually located on the right side of the screen) and select it.
  3. Enter the Code: Enter the 25-character code exactly as it appears. Be careful to distinguish between similar characters like 0 and O, or 1 and I.
  4. Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the redemption. The game will be added to your account and begin downloading.

Redeeming codes is a great way to get games at a discount or to gift games to friends and family. Many times, retailers have amazing deals and you can get download codes to redeem them on your account. This is a great way to save money.

Managing Your Digital Game Library

Once you've bought a few games, you'll want to know how to manage your digital game library. Here are some tips:

  • Accessing Your Library: You can access your digital game library by going to My Games & Apps on the Xbox dashboard. This section shows you all the games and apps that are installed on your console, as well as those that are ready to install.
  • Installing and Uninstalling Games: To install a game, select it from the Ready to install section and click "Install." To uninstall a game, select it from the Installed section, press the Menu button on your controller, and choose "Uninstall."
  • Organizing Your Games: You can create groups to organize your games. For example, you could create a group for your favorite games, or a group for games you want to play later.
  • Storage Management: The Xbox Series S has a limited amount of internal storage (512GB), so you'll need to manage your storage carefully. You can delete games you no longer play to free up space. You can also purchase an external hard drive to expand your storage capacity.

Managing your digital game library is essential for keeping your Xbox organized and ensuring you have enough space for new games. So, make sure you periodically check to see what you've been playing, and what games you want to uninstall, or simply move them to an external hard drive for safe keeping. The choice is yours!

Final Thoughts

Buying games on the Xbox Series S is a breeze once you understand the different methods available to you. Whether you prefer buying games individually from the Xbox Store, subscribing to Xbox Game Pass, or redeeming digital game codes, there are plenty of ways to build your digital game library. So go ahead, start exploring, and happy gaming, guys!