Anime has exploded in global popularity recently, with the industry now valued at over $24 billion according to the Association of Japanese Animations. Streaming services have played a significant role in this growth, making thousands of anime shows and movies accessible to fans worldwide.
Among those platforms is Funimation, a Sony-owned company that has delivered anime content to North American audiences for over 25 years. With its extensive library of subbed and dubbed series, Funimation has become a go-to destination for anime enthusiasts.
For gamers who enjoy anime, the Xbox Series X/S consoles provide a seamless way to access streaming apps like Funimation. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll answer the burning question: is there a Funimation app on Xbox Series X/S? We‘ll also show you how to set it up, what to watch, and share some troubleshooting tips to ensure an optimal viewing experience.
Is There a Funimation App on Xbox Series X/S?
Yes, there is indeed a Funimation app available on Xbox Series X and S consoles. Microsoft has made it easy to locate and install the app via the Microsoft Store on your Xbox dashboard.
Here‘s how to find it:
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Power on your Xbox Series X or S console and sign in to your Microsoft account.
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Navigate to the Microsoft Store app, which is represented by a shopping bag icon.
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In the search bar, type "Funimation" and select the app from the results.
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Click the "Install" button to download the Funimation app to your Xbox.
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Once installed, launch the app from the "My games & apps" section of your Xbox dashboard.
The Funimation app is free to download, but you‘ll need to sign up for an account to watch anime content. Let‘s explore how to set up your Funimation account on Xbox.
Setting Up a Funimation Account on Xbox
To stream anime on the Funimation Xbox app, you‘ll first need to create an account. Funimation offers both free and paid subscription options:
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Free accounts can watch a limited selection of ad-supported shows in standard definition.
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Paid subscriptions unlock Funimation‘s full library of subbed and dubbed anime in high definition, with no ads. Subscribers can also download episodes for offline viewing on mobile devices.
Here‘s how to sign up for a Funimation account on your Xbox Series X/S:
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Launch the Funimation app and select "Sign Up" at the bottom of the welcome screen.
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Choose between a Free account or Premium subscription.
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Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your date of birth (you must be 13+ to create an account).
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Add a payment method if selecting a Premium plan. Funimation accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal.
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Click "Start My Free Trial" for Premium or "Create My Account" for Free plans.
Funimation offers a 14-day free trial for new Premium subscribers. After the trial period, your account will automatically convert to a paid subscription unless you cancel.
Funimation Subscription Plans and Pricing
To help you decide which plan is right for you, here‘s a breakdown of Funimation‘s subscription options and pricing:
| Plan | Price (monthly) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited ad-supported shows, SD quality |
| Premium | $7.99 | Full library, ad-free, HD streaming |
| Premium Plus | $9.99 | Free trial, offline downloads, 4 devices |
It‘s important to note that only one Premium subscription can be active per Funimation account. However, Premium Plus allows simultaneous streaming on up to 4 devices, making it ideal for households with multiple anime fans.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, there‘s an added bonus. Funimation occasionally offers extended free trials as a Game Pass perk. As of this writing, Ultimate subscribers can claim a 30-day trial of Funimation Premium Plus, a $9.99 value.
To redeem this offer:
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On your Xbox, go to the Game Pass tab and look for the "Perks" section.
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Select the Funimation Premium Plus trial and click "Claim".
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Follow the prompts to activate your extended free trial.
Keep an eye out for similar promotions if you‘re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member. It‘s an excellent opportunity to explore Funimation‘s full library without the upfront cost.
What to Watch on Funimation
So what exactly can you watch with a Funimation subscription on Xbox? Let‘s take a look at the impressive scope of Funimation‘s anime offerings.
Funimation boasts one of the largest anime libraries of any streaming service, with over 700 shows and 13,000+ hours of subbed and dubbed content. According to a Funimation infographic, that‘s enough anime to watch continuously for nearly 18 months!
Anime fans of all tastes will find something to enjoy in Funimation‘s catalog. The platform covers all the major genres, including:
- Action/Adventure: My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer
- Romance/Drama: Fruits Basket, Your Lie in April, Clannad
- Sci-Fi: Psycho-Pass, Steins;Gate, Code Geass
- Fantasy: Black Clover, Fairy Tail, The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Horror/Thriller: Death Note, Tokyo Ghoul, The Promised Neverland
- Comedy: Nichijou, Gintama, KonoSuba: God‘s Blessing on this Wonderful World!
- Sports: Haikyu!!, Kuroko‘s Basketball, Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
In addition to classic series and ongoing releases, Funimation produces its own exclusive anime content like Zombie Land Saga and Sk8 the Infinity. The company even co-produces some shows directly with Japanese animation studios, such as Fruits Basket and The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited.
Most Popular Anime on Funimation
With so many shows to choose from, where should you start? Here are Funimation‘s 10 most watched anime series in 2021, according to their blog:
- My Hero Academia
- Attack on Titan
- Demon Slayer
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- One Piece
- Black Clover
- Dr. STONE
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
- The Promised Neverland
- Fire Force
These rankings demonstrate the current popularity of supernatural, action-packed shonen anime. However, Funimation‘s list of most watched shows has variety from a number of genres.
Some other all-time hits on Funimation include:
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Death Note
- Dragon Ball Z/Super
- One Punch Man
- Naruto/Boruto
- Soul Eater
- Cowboy Bebop
Whether you‘re in the mood for a critically acclaimed classic or the latest seasonal obsession, you‘re likely to find it in Funimation‘s extensive, ever-growing library. The Xbox app makes it easier than ever to discover new favorites and binge-watch your preferred series from the comfort of your couch.
Funimation‘s Merger with Crunchyroll
In a significant industry move, Sony Pictures (Funimation‘s parent company) acquired anime streaming competitor Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021. This acquisition consolidated Sony‘s anime holdings under one roof, creating the ultimate platform for anime fans.
As a result, Funimation‘s Android, iOS, and web apps were rebranded as Crunchyroll in early 2022. User accounts were also merged, transferring saved shows and preferences. By combining forces, the new Crunchyroll offers the largest anime library of any streaming service with over 40,000 episodes across 16,000+ hours.
What It Means for Xbox Users
However, the Funimation app on Xbox consoles will remain active for the foreseeable future. The rebranding primarily affected Funimation‘s mobile and browser-based platforms.
According to an FAQ on Funimation‘s blog, the company will eventually sunset the Xbox app in favor of a new Crunchyroll app for Xbox systems. However, no official timeline has been announced for this transition.
In the meantime, Xbox users can continue enjoying Funimation‘s library in the existing app. Funimation has reassured subscribers that any changes will be clearly communicated in advance. The goal is to provide a seamless migration to Crunchyroll down the road.
Troubleshooting Tips
While the Funimation Xbox app generally provides a smooth viewing experience, you may occasionally encounter technical hiccups. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues:
Buffering or playback problems
– Check your internet connection speed and stability. Funimation recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps for SD and 5 Mbps for HD.
– Power cycle your Xbox by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then unplugging the console for 30 seconds.
– Try restarting your router/modem if a reboot doesn‘t resolve the problem.
Login issues
– Double check that you‘re using the correct email and password combination.
– Reset your password by clicking "Forgot password" on the login screen.
– Contact Funimation support if you‘re still unable to sign in.
Missing episodes or mislabeled content
– Check if the show is only partially available in your region due to licensing.
– Browse the episode list to see if it‘s a numbering error (e.g. 1a vs 1).
– Report incorrect labels to Funimation‘s content team via their support portal.
If you experience persistent problems with the Funimation Xbox app, visit their comprehensive help center at help.funimation.com or submit a support ticket. Funimation‘s customer service team is generally responsive and eager to assist subscribers.
Remember to keep the Funimation app updated to take advantage of bug fixes and performance improvements. Xbox systems should automatically update apps, but you can manually check for updates in the "Manage" section of the Funimation app.
The Bottom Line
Anime fans who own an Xbox Series X or S are in luck – Funimation offers a robust app to stream its massive library directly on Microsoft‘s next-gen consoles. The app is easy to install and navigate, with both free and paid subscription options to suit different viewing preferences.
Funimation‘s extensive catalog covers all the anime essentials, from action-packed classics like Attack on Titan to charming slice-of-life series such as Fruits Basket. Subscribers can enjoy over 13,000 hours of ad-free content in high definition across multiple genres. The platform even produces its own exclusives in collaboration with renowned Japanese studios.
As Funimation merges with Crunchyroll under Sony‘s ownership, Xbox users can look forward to an even larger selection of subtitled and dubbed anime in the future. Though the app will eventually migrate to Crunchyroll‘s branding, Funimation will remain available on Xbox in the interim.
Whether you‘re a dedicated otaku or a casual viewer looking to explore the medium, the Funimation Xbox app delivers a premium anime streaming experience from the comfort of your console. So power up your Series X/S, grab some snacks, and embark on an epic anime binge session with Funimation.
Sources:
- Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) Anime Industry Report 2020
- Funimation Blog – What to Watch
- Funimation Blog – 2021 Anime Watching Recap
- Funimation Press Release: Sony‘s Funimation Global Group Completes Acquisition of Crunchyroll
- Funimation Help Center
