Microsoft heeds environmentalists’ criticism, improves Xbox One’s power options

The Xbox One is potentially wasting energy, but Microsoft wants you to know that it doesn’t have to.

In a blog update, Microsoft details the various power options of the Xbox One. These include the “Instant On” mode as well as the “energy-saving” mode. Instant On is a feature where the Xbox One constantly runs even when it’s “off.” This enables it to do a number of cool tricks, like downloading and updating games and apps over night. But this means it always needs a steady flow of electricity, which can have a pretty major impact considering that Microsoft has sold more than 10 million Xbox Ones worldwide. In its energy-saving mode, however, the Xbox One shuts down completely.