How to Play Xbox One Games on the New Xbox Series S - A Comprehensive Guide
As a tech enthusiast, you may have a well-stocked library of Xbox One games that you're excited to continue playing. However, the launch of the Xbox Series S has offered a new system, but without a disk drive. This raises the question: can you still access and play your games on this new console? Yes, you can, but the process might require a few steps. Let's explore the methods to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Playing Xbox One Games on Xbox Series S
If you've been avid about your Xbox One gaming experience, you'll be pleased to know that the Xbox Series S is backward compatible with most Xbox One games. Here's a detailed guide on how you can access and enjoy your collection on the new system.
Digital Games
The first and most convenient method to play your Xbox One digital games on the Xbox Series S is by using your Xbox Live account. Digital games purchased from the Xbox Store can be transferred directly to your Series S. Once you're logged into your account, sign in on your Xbox Series S and you can download and play your games right away. If there are any updates, they will automatically download in the background. This method ensures that your games are always up to date.
Xbox Game Pass
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, there's an added convenience. Your games are accessible through the Game Pass library on your Series S. Membership to Game Pass provides you with access to a wide range of titles, and you can start playing immediately on your new system. Since these games are associated with your subscription, make sure to maintain the same account to avoid any issues.
Cloud Saves
One of the advantages of moving to the Xbox Series S is the seamless transfer of your saved game data. If you were consistently connected to Xbox Live on your Xbox One, your saved game data will automatically sync to the cloud. When you download your games on the Series S, your saves will be available as long as you sign in with the same account. This ensures that you can resume where you left off without any hassle.
Physical Games
Sadly, if your Xbox One games are physical discs, transferring them to the Xbox Series S is not directly possible because the Series S does not have a disk drive. These physical games will become display pieces, and you won't be able to use them with the driveless system. To make the most of your existing games, consider the following options:
Digitize your games: If available, convert your physical games to digital versions. You can often do this through the Xbox Store, which might require a fee but will save you the cost of repurchasing games. Sell or trade: If you no longer want to keep the physical copies, consider selling or trading them to recoup some cost, especially if the games are still in good condition.Smart Delivery
Another option worth mentioning is Smart Delivery. This feature allows you to own the Xbox One version of a game and then automatically access the upgraded Xbox Series S version at no additional cost if it's available. For a list of supported games, you can refer to the official Xbox support page or your game's specific details on the Xbox Store.
Network Transfer (Optional)
To save time during the downloading process, you can use network transfer. This method allows you to transfer your games from one console to another over the network. However, be aware that using this method, you cannot use either console while it is transferring. This process might take hours depending on the size of the games and your internet speed.
Final Thoughts
With these methods, you should be able to enjoy your Xbox One games on the new Xbox Series S without significant inconvenience. The key is understanding the differences between digital and physical games and taking advantage of modern gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and Smart Delivery.
As for the cost, if you already own digital versions of your games, there's no additional cost. Converting physical games to digital might require an additional fee, but it can save you the cost of repurchasing the games in the long run. For those who own the physical versions, the easiest path is to opt for the regular version of the Xbox Series S, which comes with a built-in drive, ensuring full compatibility with your collection without any hassle.