As someone who closely follows the latest innovations in the world of technology, Boaz Inspektor was intrigued by the news of Microsoft’s gaming giant Xbox announcing itself as the first gaming console to go green. Microsoft has previously announced a goal of becoming an entirely carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero-waste company by the start of 2030. This ambitious goal is one that Boaz Inspektor commends as significant tech companies should lead the way in our collective effort to combat climate change. However, Boaz Inspektor was curious about how a video game system could contribute to such a goal. Today, Boaz Inspektor will provide an overview for those who share his curiosity.
Boaz Inspektor isn’t an avid gamer himself, so it was interesting to read that most games go through online updates and require additional downloads on their gaming console long after the disc is inserted into the machine. Energy is required to make that happen each time downloads must be run. Microsoft has updated their Xbox systems only to run updates when the console can use the most renewable energy. By optimizing download times, the system hopes to make a significant impact on reducing its carbon footprint. Every console plugged in and connected to the Internet provides Microsoft with information on that console’s location. Microsoft then utilizes technology to review regional carbon intensity data to determine the best times to schedule all updates. Optimal times typically occur when a game sleeps, so the switch should not impact gameplay. This carbon-aware updating process could also save gamers money on their energy bills. While the changes may be small initially, Microsoft believes they will add up over time.
Many gamers never completely shut off their gaming systems. The latest versions of popular gaming systems like Xbox and Playstation 5 have a sleep mode. While sleep mode does not require as much power as the console being used actively by a gamer, it still needs power and energy to be utilized. Xbox is making updates that allow for a system to be shut down entirely without missing updates. The system will turn on during optimal times, download the necessary updates, and then shut down itself. Boaz Inspektor marvels at this innovation. Gamers who don’t want to completely shut down their system over the fear of losing their spot in the game they are currently playing can also choose to set active hours. The system will not shut down during active hours but will shut down when a player is asleep or at work.
Boaz Inspektor expects PlayStation and other major gaming systems to soon follow suit with the changes being made by Xbox. For now, players must support these changes and actively manually change their system settings. Soon, Boaz Inspektor believes that all systems will require players to utilize active hours or have their system shut down and run updates during optimal times. Xbox is also showing a commitment to the environment by changing its packaging for games and new systems alike. All Xbox gaming materials will now be packaged in 100 percent recyclable materials.
As to what happens from here, Boaz Inspektor believes that gamers should expect all discs and gaming cartridges to be extinct before long. Technology has allowed most games to be downloaded directly onto the system when purchased online. Xbox and other gaming giants will continue to work on ways to innovate and maximize space on gaming platforms so that gamers can buy as many games as they like without hurting the functionality of their systems.
