Buyers of the Xbox One will now be greeted with a screen at which they will be able to choose between "energy-saving" and "instant-on" modes.
The news comes after concern about the Xbox's energy consumption, with some suggesting that the console wastes energy.
Instant-on essentially means that users will receive updates and downloadable content when the console is not being actively used for gaming. This solves the frustrating problem of gaming being interrupted in order to update the software of the console. With things like monthly updates, downloads for games and new features, the potential for gaming to be interrupted is high, unless users make use of instant-on.
Power saving mode, however, offers advantages of its own, energy-saving mode will cut down on power use by the console, saving users between $6 and $15 per year. This means that the console will not be on and searching for updates while not actively in use.
"By providing multiple power states in Xbox One and empowering our fans with choice, we sought to balance energy efficiency and functionality. At the same time, we know many Xbox One fans are vigilant about their household's energy consumption; after all, environmental leadership often begins at home," said Microsoft in a blog post.
Those who already own the Xbox One will also be able to make the decision to switch power modes if wanted, simply by heading to "Power & startup" in the Settings menu. By default the console is on Instant-on mode; however, for those that either want to save a few bucks or are concerned about the environment, then switching to energy-saving mode might be the best choice.
The Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, did ask Microsoft to make energy-saving mode the default for the console, and while Microsoft did not do that, it did concede to another request, which was to present users with the option of power modes when they first purchase the console.
"As we continue to evolve the Xbox One experience, we are bringing this power choice front and center," continued Microsoft. "In the coming months, new Xbox One owners around the world will be prompted with this choice in the initial console set-up process."
