Microsoft asks you to switch to Xbox's energy saver mode Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft asks you to switch to Xbox's energy saver mode Which also now downloads game and system updates. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 11 Mar 2022 110 comments Microsoft has called upon Xbox users to switch their consoles onto Energy Saver mode. Did you know this option also now downloads game and system updates while your console is more fully powered down? It's an update Microsoft made available last year, but which largely flew under the radar at the time. The change removes a key reason many keep their console in the energy-guzzling Instant On mode, which uses 20 times more power than Energy Saver. Watch on YouTube While the change isn't new, Microsoft promoted it last night as part of a blog post on its efforts to become more sustainable - and it's a worthwhile PSA. It means you can save energy (and money on energy bills) by fully powering down your Xbox, and still not having to wait for an update to complete when you next switch it on. Microsoft has also quietly made Energy Saver the new default power option - meaning new users have to opt into Instant On from here on out. Microsoft has said that by 2030 it will design Xbox products and their packaging to be 100 percent recyclable. It has also begun using recycled materials in its Xbox Series S and controllers. Meanwhile, Azure datacentres, which power its cloud gaming, will run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. "We also want to empower players to make more informed decisions that help reduce your impact," Microsoft wrote. As well as switching to Energy Saver mode, other tips include making use of the company's trade-in or mail-back programs for money off or recycling of unwanted/broken products. Last year, Eurogamer looked at gaming's all-digital future and what it meant for the climate crisis as part of a major report. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store