How To Prepare For An Xbox One Arrival

We’re now only hours away from the Xbox One, Microsoft’s next-generation entertainment console, hitting store shelves. Across the country users who pre-ordered – and those who didn’t – are lining up to be among the first to get their hands on the console’s upgraded graphics, controller and upgraded Kinect sensor.

Before you head to your local GameStop, it might be a good idea to get a few things out-of-the-way before the Xbox One arrives at your house late tonight or tomorrow.

Create an Xbox LIVE ID

Users who have never had an Xbox to call their very own will need to set up an Xbox LIVE Gamertag. This ID doesn’t have to be separate from the Microsoft Account a user might already have. In fact, the process is more streamlined if it’s the same Microsoft Account someone uses to log into Microsoft’s other products, like Outlook.com, Office and Windows 8. You can set up your Xbox LIVE Gamertag on Xbox.com now. You can also create and deck out your Xbox LIVE Avatar while you’re there too.

Remove that old console

 

Users who already have an Xbox 360 or some other gaming console, will need to make room for their new prized entertainment system. Thankfully, any old console that has HDMI can actually be plugged into the Xbox One’s HDMI-pass through port and played, however if you’re over that old machine you can sell it for games and other Xbox One accessories.  Remember, if you’re going to sell, now is the time to do so. It’s unlikely that the value of an old console will be any higher than it is today. BestBuy is guaranteeing Xbox 360 and PS3 owners at least $100 in the form of a gift-card.

Read: A Guide to Trading in Your Xbox 360 for an Xbox One

Prepare to download the Xbox One Emergency Day One Update

Earlier today, Microsoft posted a page detailing how users can load the mandatory Xbox One update to a flash drive to get their console working. While that page would have been incredibly useful for those without an internet connection, Microsoft has already removed the it from their support site, saying that it prefers to work directly with users who call its support center.

If you don’t have an internet connection, the best thing to do is to find or purchase at least an 8GB flash drive so that you can download the update when you call support or if the link returns. Of course, you always take the console to a friend’s and update it there as well. To be clear, this update isn’t optional. You’ll need it before you can game or do anything else with your Xbox One tonight.

Read: Microsoft to Remove Xbox One Online & Used Game Restrictions with Day One Update

Download Xbox One SmartGlass

With Xbox One SmartGlass users can extend their Xbox experience by using their smartphone or tablet as a wireless keyboard and mouse, episode guide, and in-game map tool.

Luckily, Xbox One SmartGlass is available to users with an iPhone and devices running Google’s Android operating system. It’s also available to Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 users as well. Unfortunately, it’s not available to users with phones running Microsoft’s own Windows Phone 7.

Read: Xbox One SmartGlass Now Available in the Windows Phone Store [Updated]

Know your Wi-Fi password

If you’re going to connect your Xbox One directly to your router, you needn’t worry about finding out what your Wi-Fi password is. However, if you are going to place the Xbox One where it’ll require a wireless connection, it is a very good idea to find out now. This way, if you’ve got to reset your router to get the connection, you’ve gotten it done before all the festivities begin. Remember, you’ll need to connect the Xbox one to the internet to at least get the Emergency Day One update.

The password is located on the bottom of the router, usually. However, most routers allow the user to login and change the Wi-Fi password.

Read: Xbox One Release Date Tips for Buyers

Once you’ve got everything set up the only thing left to do is wait. The Xbox One launches tomorrow morning at exactly midnight in the United States for $499. The console is already available in New Zealand.