The Xbox Series X could be getting new graphics modes that can save you money

techradar.com:

Microsoft is looking into additional Xbox Series X energy-saving modes which could impact performance on the console. Soon, you'll be able to choose to lower your in-game resolutions and framerates to save on your energy bills.

Microsoft has been sending Xbox Series X|S owners enrolled in the Xbox Insider program a questionnaire that asks the console’s playerbase about their energy consumption. The ‘energy efficiency features’ list of questions asks for detailed input about improvements and additions to Xbox Series X energy-saving modes, as reported by Windows Central(opens in new tab).

Microsoft asked if the respondent's worried about their energy bills while gaming for long periods of time, and if they would modify the hardware settings to mitigate these issues. The company has proposed making adjustments such as ‘altering the resolution, frame rate, visual effects or GPU’.

The hardware manufacturer is also considering automating features such as the resolution and frame rate when the game is left inactive to save on energy consumption. However, from the questionnaire, it’s apparent that Microsoft has thought about the negative effects of reducing performance, too. While we’ve covered energy-saving Xbox Series X updates in past months, this related to lower standby wattage, not for active gameplay sessions.

One of the questions proposed asks for a response to this statement: “I am worried that turning on energy-saving features may negatively impact my gameplay experience”. It has not been outlined by Microsoft whether or not these features would be implemented in a future software update, but the company has considered options here, whether that means going from dynamic 4K to lower resolutions such as 1440p or 1080p, and