BBC iPlayer and EA Play don't work on Xbox Series X and Series S at launch

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • As the Xbox Series X and Series S start to arrive in the first buyers' hands there are a couple of big apps that don't work at all.
  • BBC iPlayer and EA Play are affected with no current workaround.
  • Peacock also experiencing issues with its video quality.

BBC iPlayer is the worst affected as there is no workaround at all to get access to its content, so if it's important to you you'll need to keep hold of your existing Xbox One console for the time being. Microsoft states its "working with our app partners to resolve this," and get the app working on the new consoles.

EA Play Xbox Series X

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

EA Play is similarly affected, the app just doesn't work and as such has been disabled. But the overall impact is minimal since you can get access to the games and trials offered by the service directly through the Store on the new Xbox Series X and Series S.

Article continues below

Go into the Store and search for the title you're looking for, for example, the FIFA 21 limited time trial, and you'll see an install button assuming you have a current EA Play subscription. Again, Microsoft states its "working with our app partners to find potential resolutions for the future."

Additionally, Peacock subscribers in the U.S. may experience issues with pixelated frames while viewing content through the app on the new consoles, and while there's no workaround at the moment the app is at least usable. Again, Microsoft is working with the developers on getting it fixed up.

Keep tabs on everything with our list of Xbox Series X, Series S known bugs and launch issues as Microsoft moves swiftly to iron out any early hiccups.

Richard Devine
Managing Editor

Richard Devine is the Managing Editor at Windows Central, where he combines a deep love for the open-source community with expert-level technical coverage. Whether he’s hunting for the next big project on GitHub, fine-tuning a WSL workflow, or breaking down the latest meta in Call of Duty, Forza, and The Division 2, Richard focuses on making complex tech accessible to every kind of user. If it’s happening in the world of Windows or PC gaming, he’s probably already knee-deep in the code (or the lobbies). Follow him on X and Mastodon.