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

8. Quick Settings and Control Centers

Mid-boss fight and need to invite a friend? Pause. Next-gen consoles offer quick settings and control centers designed for maximum convenience. Tap the PlayStation button or Xbox Guide button to reveal an overlay letting you change music, adjust party chat, manage notifications, or even check trophy progress—all without quitting your game. PS5’s Control Center is fully customizable, so your most-used shortcuts are never buried in endless menus. Xbox piles everything from achievements to app switching into the Guide—think of it as your gaming command center. If you’re serious about multitasking or just want smoother gaming nights, spend some time organizing these menus. The difference between a frantic search and a single tap can mean the world in a tense gaming moment.