Hidden Features You Didn't Know Your Console Had

2 October 2025

So you think you know your gaming console, huh? Think again, my joystick-wielding friend. Beneath that sleek plastic shell and LED-lit swagger lies a treasure trove of secrets that developers baked in just for the fun of it—or maybe just to mess with us.

Whether you’re pledging your allegiance to PlayStation, living the Xbox Game Pass dream, or carrying your Nintendo Switch around like it’s your emotional support device, there's a high probability you're missing out on some ridiculously cool features. Don’t worry—your console won't take it personally (probably). But let’s give it the appreciation it deserves, shall we?

So grab your controller, maybe a snack (or seven), and let’s dive into the shadowy depths of your console’s hidden superpowers. 🎮

Table of Contents

- 1. Secret Startup Sounds (A Love Letter to Your Console?)
- 2. Voice Commands – The Lazy Gamer's Dream
- 3. Screenshot & Clip Magic You Never Knew You Had
- 4. Turn Your Console into a Media Center (Because Netflix > Boss Battles)
- 5. Custom Button Mapping – Because Your Thumbs Deserve Options
- 6. The Hidden Web Browsers (Yes, They Really Exist!)
- 7. Remote Play – Game Anywhere, Even the Bathroom
- 8. Hidden Demos & Beta Access – Gaming's Secret Menu
- 9. Backward Compatibility: It's Not Just for Nostalgics
- 10. Easter Eggs That Go Full "What The Heck?"

1. Secret Startup Sounds

Ever heard your console's startup sound and thought, “Hmm, that’s oddly soothing?” Well, that little jingle might have some hidden flavors you didn’t know existed.

For example, the GameCube had this sneaky celebratory chime if you held certain buttons while booting. It’s like your console saying, “Hey, thanks for being weird and pressing random buttons. Here's a treat.”

Similarly, Xbox One consoles have a secret sound when booting in offline mode without a hard drive attached. Creepy? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.

Next time, try fiddling with the power-on button combos. Who knows? Your console might just serenade you.

2. Voice Commands – The Lazy Gamer's Dream

Let’s be honest: shouting at your TV to turn on your console feels like you’re living in a sci-fi movie where the robots haven’t taken over—yet. Some consoles, like the Xbox Series X and older Xbox One models, have built-in voice command options (via Cortana or Alexa integration).

You can say things like:

- "Xbox, turn off."
- "Xbox, record that."
- "Xbox, order me pizza." (Okay, not that last one—yet.)

While not as vocal these days, don’t forget that voice commands can also work with smart home setups. Your console just became the laziest smart home hub ever.

3. Screenshot & Clip Magic You Never Knew You Had

We’re all guilty of pulling off an epic mid-air snipe and yelling, “Did you see that?!” only to hear crickets. But your console? It saw it. And it probably recorded it too.

Most modern consoles (looking at you, PS5 and Xbox Series X) have automatic recording features. Nail a trophy, killstreak, or pull off a game-breaking glitch? Your console’s already got the receipts, and it's ready to make you TikTok famous.

Don’t sleep on these features:

- Double tap Share on PlayStation to quick-capture.
- "Xbox, record that" (or press the Capture button) anytime you feel fancy.

Pro tip: You can even edit clips directly on your console and upload to socials. Who needs Adobe Premiere when your PlayStation’s got your back?

4. Turn Your Console into a Media Center (Because Netflix > Boss Battles)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever booted up your console and ended up watching Netflix for three hours instead of gaming. Yeah, same.

But did you know your console is basically a glorified media beast? With apps like:

- Spotify
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Plex
- Apple TV+
- And even Blu-ray/DVD playback (yep, some people still use those),

your console wants to be your entertainment BFF. You can even play music while gaming—nothing spices up a horror game quite like blasting K-pop in the background.

5. Custom Button Mapping – Because Your Thumbs Deserve Options

Ever rage-quit just because a game had the worst button layout ever? Yeah, we've all been there.

But hey—you don't have to suffer. Most modern consoles allow custom button remapping. That’s right. Put jump where YOU want. Crouch with whatever digit feels natural, dang it.

- On PS5, go to Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments.
- On Xbox, use the Accessories app for controller remapping.
- On Switch, dig into System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Change Button Mapping.

Boom. You're now in control of your controls.

6. The Hidden Web Browsers (Yes, They Really Exist!)

“Why would I browse the web on my console when I have my phone?” Great question. Here's a better one: Why not?

Believe it or not, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch have secret (and kinda janky) web browsers. They're not advertised, but they’re there, lurking like shy little nerds in the corner of a party.

- On PS5, go through Game Base messages and send yourself a link. Click that bad boy and voilà—browser time.
- On Switch, use DNS tricks or specific URLs to unlock the browser interface.

Don't expect Chrome-level performance, but hey, it’s perfect if you want to Google “how to beat this stupid boss” without leaving the couch.

7. Remote Play – Game Anywhere, Even the Bathroom

If you’ve never played Elden Ring from your bathroom…have you even truly gamed?

Remote Play is the unsung hero of modern consoles. It lets you stream your games to:

- Your phone
- A laptop
- A tablet
- Or even another console

PlayStation’s got Remote Play. Xbox has Cloud Gaming via Game Pass. And the Switch? Well, it's basically one big remote play device.

The best part? You can pretend you’re being productive on your laptop while actually leveling up your RPG character. Total gamer ninja moves.

8. Hidden Demos & Beta Access – Gaming's Secret Menu

Do you like free stuff? Dumb question. Who doesn't?

Your console hides demos and early beta programs you probably never knew existed. But finding them is like stumbling into a gaming speakeasy.

For PlayStation, hop into the PlayStation Store and search “demo.” You’ll find gems, weird indie experiments, and stuff you didn’t know existed.

On Xbox, sign up for the Xbox Insider Program, and you’ll unlock access to game previews, system updates, and test builds. It’s like being a VIP at the club, but the club has dragons and space marines.

9. Backward Compatibility: It's Not Just for Nostalgics

Ah yes, backward compatibility—the digital equivalent of smelling your childhood bedroom. Who knew your shiny new console could be a time machine?

- Xbox Series X/S: Plays hundreds of Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles.
- PS5: Swallows PS4 games like candy.
- Switch: Offers older titles via Nintendo Switch Online, including NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy Advance.

Dust off those old classics. Fire up some nostalgia. And realize that yes, those graphics really were that pixelated.

10. Easter Eggs That Go Full "What The Heck?"

The devs have jokes, and your console is their punchline. Hidden Easter Eggs are scattered throughout your console’s OS like nerdy booby traps.

Some legendary ones:

- The PS4’s “Robot Party” in the Playroom? That’s a celebration of the whole history of PlayStation.
- The Xbox’s secret hardware credits screen, only accessible by navigating deep into the original console’s files.
- The Switch's Golf mini-game (tribute to the late Satoru Iwata) which sadly disappeared after firmware updates—RIP.

These little tidbits don’t impact gameplay, sure. But hey, they give your console a little personality. Like finding out your accountant does stand-up comedy.

Bonus: Your Console Is A Smart Home Device Now (Kind Of)

This one’s for the true tech nerds. Did you know that your modern console can integrate with IoT devices?

Pair your Xbox with Alexa or Google Assistant, and you can do things like:

- Turn on your console with your voice
- Launch games hands-free
- Control volume or media playback

Console + smart home = power couple of the year. Eat your heart out, Tony Stark.

Final Thoughts: Love Your Console, It’s Smarter Than You Think

Your console isn’t just a glorified pizza oven for discs or strictly a Fortnite machine. It’s dripping with hidden features, Easter eggs, and customization options that most gamers never tap into. Honestly, if your console were a person, it’d be that quiet genius in the back of the class that builds rockets for fun on weekends.

So give it a little love. Open those settings menus. Press some weird button combos. And discover all the ridiculous, wonderful, unnecessary-but-totally-awesome things your console can do.

Now if only it could do your laundry