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Xbox basics: how long can an Xbox One stay on before overheating?

overheating

For all of the costs of console gaming, it’s no wonder so many want to eek out as much value as possible. Preventing damage is par for the course. And if you’re someone who grew alongside the Xbox 360, you know just how much console defects, namely bad thermals, can add to overall cost (the infamous Red Ring of Death).

Thankfully, Microsoft course corrected with the Xbox One. Compared to the PS4, it’s much quieter and cooler. But you’re still going to want to keep certain factors in mind to prevent it from running too hot.

How long can you keep the Xbox One on until it overheats? Theoretically speaking, it’s going to depend on a lot of factors. In most cases, you’ll be absolutely fine with extended gaming sessions going well beyond 5 hours. The Xbox One, along with the Xbox Series X|S, were built with longevity in mind. In fact, the Xbox One was designed to be powered on continuously for 10 years.

Keep reading for our guide on how to minimize the risk of overheating, best practices, and what causes a console to run too hot.

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Console basics: can you transfer Xbox games to PS4?

transfer

Gaming today is a lot of the unthinkable of yesterday. From the ability for Xbox One players to play with PS5 players to transferring progress from one platform to another, things are a lot more open than they were just 10 years ago.

But if you’re someone looking to change platforms there are still some stubborn restrictions. And if you’ve got a catalog of games, whether physical or digital, you’re probably wondering – can I transfer games from one platform to another?

Unfortunately, whether you’re moving from Xbox One to PS4 or PS5 (or PlayStation to Xbox), you won’t be able to transfer your discs or digital licenses. Neither Sony or Microsoft allow consumers to play the competing version of a game on their platform.

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Halo Infinite’s campaign looks modern in the best way possible

halo infinite you're safe now

Halo has always had a certain flavor to the hype behind it. Most notable for me was the run up to Halo 3. Bungie enveloped my teenage mind with visions of expansive sci-fi settings and the ways in which I’d get lost in its multiplayer. Halo 3’s marketing was simply something to be felt. In many ways, it was also the peak of the Halo hype machine.

Each release of Halo has left its mark on my gaming career, but it’s also become murkier ever since the release of Halo Reach. I had my fill of over 100 hours with Bungie’s last hoorah, but 343’s entries never truly got their hooks in me. I didn’t feel the connection with my gut that earlier titles provided. Punctuated by the latest release of Halo Infinite’s campaign overview, this lapse in loyalty seems to finally be coming to an end. For the first time in years, it feels fantastic to be invested in the Halo franchise.

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Xbox Series X|S basics: what to know about the WiFi

For all of the advantages of Ethernet, sometimes WiFi is a must in the world of console gaming.

I’ve been solely using WiFi ever since picking up my Series X and despite the odd hiccup it’s been more than serviceable.

The built in WiFi card offers everything I could need. Better yet, I haven’t found my connection to Xbox live to be throttled.

What can you expect from the Xbox Series X|S WiFi performance?

As it turns out, almost everything you could need streaming, online gaming, and downloading the latest titles.

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Xbox Series X|S performance boosts are a clean slate for gaming

xbox boost mode

The authenticity and fidelity of Red Dead Redemption 2 blew me away on the PS4. I had never experienced anything quite like it. Interwoven systems, emergent gameplay, idyllic landscapes – it felt like next-generation gaming had come a little early. But going back to it now, after buying an Xbox Series X, puts into perspective something that was sorely lacking at times on the PS4 and Xbox One – performance.

Microsoft’s newest console has been an utter treat in this department. Games new and old are performant and look incredible. This standard was touched on with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, but not nearly to the extent that the Xbox Series X|S have cleaned up performance.

Not all games have gotten the next-gen treatment. But by and large I’ve never had as great of a time diving into a back catalog as I have with my Xbox Series X. New titles have only upped the ante of performance and visuals.

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Half the fun of Halo Infinite has been community driven

halo infinite broken halo

A lot of people have been comparing Halo Infinite to Halo 3, and in a lot of ways I agree. Its array of equipment and sandbox at large make it something of a virtual playground. I can’t help but feel it’s just right in its dance between modern and old.

Halo Infinite is simply fun, and a lot of it seems to be coming from the community. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been wrapped up in the excitement for a Halo game. And the cheers for Infinite are palpable. Old fans, new fans – it seems like most were blindsided by the most recent beta in the best way possible.

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Forza basics: does FH4 have Tesla cars?

mountain look off in winter forza horizon 4

Play as you please and do what you want – one of the best aspects of Forza Horizon 4 is the ability to jump in and get going almost immediately. I’m one that would have enjoyed a more handcrafted approach to some of the game’s aspects, but it’s undeniably excellent evoking freedom.

Variety also cues an experience that is never too bogged down by feeling samey. Unfortunately, there are some exclusions in the car roster that may leave some fans wanting more.

If you’re wondering whether the game has Tesla vehicles, this isn’t the game to enjoy one of Elon Musk’s pillars of output.

Forza Horizon 4 does not feature any Tesla cars and most likely never will with the looming release of Forza Horizon 5. Content production for the game has come to a standstill.

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Xbox essentials: does Xbox Series X come with a USB-C cable?

cable not included

There’s nothing quite like unboxing a next-gen system. The anticipation of the old mixed with finally letting go of an aging console feels just right.

For me, the experience of unboxing and setting up the Xbox Series X was effortless when compared to prior consoles. The console literally pops up right in front of you as you open the box, and everything is tidily tucked away.

Read more on Xbox: How the Xbox Series X|S shine a light on performance

Within a few minutes I was off to gobble up all of the bandwidth I could thanks to Game Pass.

You’ll find that Microsoft provides everything you need to get up and go but, thanks to changes in cable standards, you might be confused as what is and isn’t provided. More specifically, the use of USB-C might be different than what you’re used to around the house.

Does the Xbox Series X include a USB-C cable?

Unfortunately, the console does not come with a USB-C cable despite relying on it to play without batteries. You will find a pair of AA batteries included in the packaging, but the only cables provided are the power and HDMI cords.

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Can the Xbox One and PS4 Stream 4K HDR? What to Know About Console Media Playback

netflix home screen desktop

In spite of the recent unveiling of several 8K TVs at CES 2019, 4K will continue to be the resolution to hit for those that produce content on YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and so on.

And in the Ultra HD age, it can be a bit confusing to figure out which streaming devices support 4K and HDR, especially when it comes to gaming consoles.

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Xbox Game Discounts with Game Pass Trial

xbox game pass

By the time the Xbox Scarlett and PS5 release, Xbox’s Game Pass will be looked at as one of the pioneering video game services of the current generation. It’s a simple proposition – let players in on an all you can eat buffet of quality games, much like Netflix does with TV shows and movies, and charge a flat monthly fee.

Needless to say it’s a service that has caught on with many, and with new free trial deals cropping up nearly every month it’s always a great time to jump in.

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