How to Connect Alexa to the Gaming Console? [PS4, PS5, Xbox]

How to connect Alexa to your gaming console?

Connecting Alexa PS5, 4, Switch, and Xbox is pretty simple; you can use the Harmony hub and add all of your gaming consoles into it. The Harmony hub is a universal remote which allows you to control all of your home’s entertainment devices. Mentioned below is a step-to-step guide on how to connect Alexa to Xbox One, PS4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch.

How to connect Alexa to PS4?

First and foremost, invest in a Harmony hub and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The harmony hub is mainly an app that turns your tablet or phone into a universal remote, making it easier to connect PS4 to Alexa. It’ll give you easier control over your entertainment devices.

In order to add your PS4 console to the hub, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Go to the app menu and select the category named “devices.”
2. Now, tap on the option named “Edit Devices” and select “Add Device.”
3. A drop-down menu will open up. Search through the list for an option named “Entertainment Device.”
4. You’ll see the manufacturer field mentioned there. Type in “Sony.”
5. Write down “PlayStation 4” and you’ll find the model number but the model number is only necessary in case typing “PlayStation 4” doesn’t work.
6. You can now press “add” and acknowledge the next steps to complete the section.
7. You will now be asked to create an activity. This would include your PS4 and other devices connected to the hub. Tap on ‘Yes’ and create the activity mentioned on the home screen.

Once you’ve added the PS4 onto the hub app, you can always add more devices. For now, let’s continue with the steps after you’ve created the activities:

1. Turn your PS4 on.
2. Go to “Settings” and then select “Bluetooth Settings” on the section named “Devices.”
3. Here, you can select that “Harmony Keyboard” mentioned on the list. If it doesn’t appear, then press the pairing button on the hub.

Note that you will have to manually turn on PS4 each time or use it with the PS4 remote, DualShock controller, or the console because Sony doesn’t allow third-party apps to do so. The rest of the activities can be done so through the app.

Here’s another trick: use the HDMI-CEC which allows devices to control your TV through HDMI. This could turn on your PS4 as well. To do that you must:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to “Settings.”
2. Go to the section named “System.”
3. Select “Enable HDMI device link.”

How to connect Alexa to PS5?

Just like the PS4, connecting Alexa PS5 is not that straightforward either. What you can do is use Alexa devices to set up your PS5 to accept voice instructions. The secret is the HDMI CEC – Consumer Electronics Control.

Wondering how to connect Alexa to PS5 using this feature? Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Turn on your PS5 and go to “Settings.”
2. You’ll find a section named “Systems,” and within it, select “HDMI.”
3. Toggle the “Activate link of the HDMI device” mentioned here.
4. Now, ask Alexa to turn on the TV and connected devices. This will lead to your PS5 turning on as well.

Note that, for this, Alexa should be compatible with your TV, and this configuration is restricted to only using voice to turn PS5 on.

How to connect Xbox to Alexa?

Connecting Xbox to Alexa is a relatively more straightforward process than PlayStation. You can connect it by three methods:

• Using the Alexa app
• Using the game console itself
• Using your PC

Simply follow these instructions for each one and you wouldn’t find any complications.

1. Connecting through the App

1. Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
2. Once you enter the app menu, choose “add a device.”
3. Once you select “Xbox” you can now follow the instructions mentioned on the screen.
4. You are now connected successfully.

You can also enable the Xbox skill after you setup Xbox with Alexa through these steps:

1. Go to “More” and select “Skills and Games.”
2. You can now search for “Xbox” and press “Enable to use.”
3. Sign into your Microsoft account and close the button.
4. Alexa will now show your device on the screen. Select it and press continue.
5. Now, you can select the Alexa device you wish to connect your console to and enjoy!

2. The Game Console

You can also connect Xbox to Alexa using the game console through:

1. On your console’s remote, press the Xbox button.
2. Go to “Profile” and go to “System” and select “Settings.”
3. Here, you can select “Devices and connections” then opt for the option named “Digital Assistants.” You will find a tab named “Enable Digital Assistants.” Select it.
4. On the game console remote, press the Xbox button.
5. Now go to “Profile and Systems” and select “Settings.”
6. Go to “General” and select the option named “Power mode and start-up.”
7. Select “Instant On” under the “Power mode.”

3. Using a computer to Connect to Xbox

You can follow these instructions to connect Alexa to Xbox One using your computer:

1. Turn on your computer and open the browser.
2. Go to Alexa’s official page and sign into your Amazon account.
3. On the left menu bar, you’ll find an option named “Skills.” Click it.
4. Now, on the search box, you can type in “Xbox” and see the results.
5. You’ll find the Xbox symbol, click ‘enable’.
6. You will be required to sign into your Microsoft account. Once you do, you can select “Yes” to access your information through the app.
7. Once you close the window, use the Xbox remote and press the Xbox button.
8. Select home.
9. You have now connected Alexa to Xbox One.

How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Alexa?

There are two methods you can use for Alexa Switch. Through connecting with Alexa, you will easily be able to get the latest updates on available games on the e-shop. There is one problem, though; Unlike when you connect Alexa to PS5, PS4, or Xbox, Alexa Switch can only be limited to flashing and news.

However, it still can be quite convenient to receive continual updates. Here is the first method you can use to connect Alexa Switch:

1. Start by opening the Alexa app.
2. Once you go to “Settings,” select the option named “Flash briefing.”
3. Here, you’ll find a tab named “get more flash briefing content,” select it and search for Nintendo.
4. Now you select “enable” once you find the news flashing from Nintendo.

The second method to add Alexa Switch is much simpler. You can follow these steps:

1. Once you go to the Alexa app, select the option named “More.”
2. Here, you will find a section named “Skills and Games.”
3. You can now easily search for “Nintendo Skill.”
4. You will find several options, search for the Nintendo skill you require.
5. Once you’ve selected it, tap on “Enable.”

Note that when you want to use Alexa Switch, you will either have to ask:

• “Alexa, what’s my Flash Briefing?”
• “Alexa, what’s the news for Nintendo Switch game updates?”

This will get you the latest updates on your games available on the Nintendo e-shop.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to connect to three different consoles, you can enjoy a hassle-free game play. It is the easiest to connect Xbox to Alexa than with the other consoles. However, using our abovementioned guide, you’ll be able to connect will any of your preferred console mentioned without any problems.