11 Next-Gen Console Features You Might Be Overlooking (and How to Use Them)

Ready to get more out of your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch? Next-gen consoles are packed with power, and it's easy to focus on headline grabbers like eye-popping 4K graphics or speedy SSD load times. But look beyond the obvious, and you'll find an entire world of features designed to upgrade your gaming life—many of which even seasoned players overlook. Ever lost precious progress during a console swap? Want to switch games in seconds or get unstuck mid-mission without reaching for your phone? That's just scratching the surface. Whether you love chasing high scores or enjoy laid-back couch sessions, knowing your console’s hidden tricks means more play, less hassle, and a gaming experience truly customized for you. We've dug deep, traded tips with fellow gamers, and sifted through system menus to spotlight 11 features you might be missing—and how to actually put them to use. Some of these can change the way you play forever. Ready to unlock every advantage built into your favorite platform? Let's jump in and level up together, one surprise at a time.

1. Quick Resume/Game Switch (Xbox Series X|S)

If you’re constantly flipping between games, Quick Resume on Xbox Series X|S is pure gold. This feature lets you jump right back into multiple games exactly where you left off—no loading main menus, no frantic save file searches. It’s perfect for busy households, gamers who love variety, or folks who never want to lose progress between “just one more round” and the main event. To use it, simply open your game, play, and then switch to a different title using the Xbox dashboard. The system quietly keeps your place in the background for up to several games, so there’s no need to stress about losing your spot. Want to show off a new game to a friend and then pop back into your epic RPG? Quick Resume makes it instantaneous. For best results, ensure your console is fully updated—some games don’t support the feature yet, but the list keeps growing. If you ever need to clear memory, just restart your console. Before you know it, you’ll be bouncing between worlds at lightning speed—no loading screens required.