Build a Living Room Game Pass Box
Other By TXH - October 20, 2026 Our HubsYou love Game Pass, but your Xbox is stuck in the bedroom. Or maybe you just want a second machine for the main TV without buying another console. A small PC tucked under the…
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October 20, 2026Our Hubs
You love Game Pass, but your Xbox is stuck in the bedroom. Or maybe you just want a second machine for the main TV without buying another console. A small PC tucked under the telly can do exactly that. With a controller in hand, it feels a lot like a console, minus the desk, the mouse and the tangle of cables.
This guide walks you through setting one up from scratch, even if you’ve never touched a gaming PC. It won’t replace a high-end rig, but for Game Pass favourites on the big screen, it’s a surprisingly good fit.
Why a Compact PC Works for Game Pass
Small PCs are quiet, easy to hide next to the TV, and sip power compared with a full tower. Better still, they run the Xbox app, which gives you access to the Game Pass PC library and Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Buy a Play Anywhere game once and your saves and achievements follow you between console and PC.
The trade-off is raw power. You’ll get great results from indie hits and well-optimised games, but the most demanding titles will need lower settings. Choose your games to suit the hardware and you’ll be happy.
What You’ll Need
- Amini PC with a modern processor, 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD. Game Pass titles are big, so aim for at least 512GB of storage.
- A Game Pass plan that includes PC games. Tiers change from time to time, so check what yours covers.
- A controller. An Xbox controller is the easiest option, but most modern pads work.
- A TV or monitor with an HDMI port, plus a cable.
- Optional extras: an ethernet cable, a small wireless keyboard for setup, and a headset.
Step 1: Connect the Hardware
Plug in the power, connect the HDMI cable to your TV, and use ethernet if you can. A wired connection makes downloads quicker and online play steadier. Switch your TV to the right input and, if it has one, turn on Game Mode to cut input lag.
Step 2: Get Windows Ready for Gaming
Before you install anything, run Windows Update and install the latest graphics drivers. A fresh machine often has a pile of updates waiting, and skipping them is the most common cause of stuttering later.
Next, check that Windows Game Mode is on and the power plan is set to favour performance. Set the display resolution and refresh rate to match your TV. Some newer versions of Windows also offer a full-screen, console-style Xbox experience, so look in your settings to see if yours does.
Step 3: Install the Xbox App and Sign In
Download the Xbox app from Microsoft, then sign in with the same account you use on your console. Your Game Pass subscription should appear straight away. This is also where Play Anywhere pays off, because games you already own may be available to install on the PC at no extra cost.
Choose where your games install. If your mini PC has a second drive slot, a larger SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Step 4: Pair Your Controller
There are three easy routes. Pair over Bluetooth, plug in with a USB-C cable, or use the Xbox Wireless Adapter for a console-like connection. Once it’s connected, open the Xbox Accessories app and check for firmware updates, which can fix connection quirks.
If you’re still deciding which pad to buy, TheXboxHub’s accessory reviews are a good place to start.
Step 5: Make It Feel Like a Console
This is the step that turns a PC into a living room box. Set the Xbox app to launch when the machine starts, so you land in your Game Pass library without touching a keyboard. Switch off notifications and automatic sleep timers that could interrupt a session, and use the controller-friendly full-screen view where it’s available.
Once it’s set up, you should be able to switch on the TV, pick up the pad and play.
Which Game Pass Games Run Well
Lighter games are where a compact PC shines. Indie hits and survival games such as Vampire Survivors and Valheim tend to run comfortably, and they’re a great way to test your setup. Larger releases like Forza Horizon 6 or The Witcher 3: Remastered are still possible, but expect to lower the resolution or settings to keep things smooth.
A few quick tips to get more from the hardware:
- Lower the resolution or use upscaling if a game struggles.
- Cap the frame rate for steadier performance.
- Close background apps before you play.
- Keep the vents clear and dust-free so it stays cool and quiet.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Controller not detected: re-pair it, try a USB cable, and update the firmware.
- No sound over HDMI: set the TV as the default audio output in Windows.
- A game won’t install: check you have enough free space and that the Xbox app is up to date.
- Stuttering: update graphics drivers and lower the in-game settings.
Final Thoughts
A small PC, a controller and a Game Pass subscription make a flexible second gaming setup that fits right under your TV. It won’t suit every game, but for the right library it’s a cheap, quiet and surprisingly capable way to play. Got your own living room setup? Share it in the comments.
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