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Xbox Series X review: Amazingly Powerful Next-Gen Console

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Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X

(Image credit: Microsoft)

 

“The new Xbox Series X gaming console is indeed one of the best next-gen gaming platforms today”

 

The Xbox Series X, the next-gen console from Microsoft, is finally here. Released in mid-November 2020, the Xbox Series X console comes with a unique design, a powerful hardware specs similar to a powerful gaming PC, delivering stunning graphics and smooth gameplay. Sony has also released its new PS5 console which comes with a promise of better features and a better gaming experience. Will the new Xbox console live up to the user’s expectations? Let’s go straight to the Xbox Series X review. 

 

 

Overview

The Xbox Series X launched with impressive hardware, but some features felt missing at first. However, numerous updates have transformed the console for the better.

Initially, the lack of exclusive games and the familiar Xbox One interface made it a tough sell compared to the PS5 with its exciting exclusives. While the interface remained functional, it lacked the excitement of a fresh start.

Despite the initial shortcomings, exploring the Xbox Series X’s features reveals its true potential. A growing library of games showcases the hardware’s capabilities, with titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 demonstrating stunning visuals and performance.

 

(Image credit: Microsoft)

 

From a hardware perspective, the Xbox Series X has always been impressive. Lightning-fast, near-silent operation, and exceptional performance rivaling high-end PCs make it a fantastic value for its price. This translates to drastically reduced load times and improved visuals across a wide range of games, both new and old.

Quality-of-life features like Quick Resume and FPS Boost further enhance the gameplay experience. However, despite the raw power and new features, the Xbox Series X still lacks the same volume of must-have exclusives as the PS5 or Nintendo Switch.

Here’s where Xbox Game Pass comes in – a subscription service offering access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee. For those who enjoy trying new titles across various genres, it’s an incredible deal.

Even with a focus on older titles, many are optimized for the Xbox Series X hardware, providing a taste of next-gen gaming at a reduced cost.

Additionally, all first-party Microsoft games launch on Game Pass day one, including upcoming titles like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 thanks to the acquisition of Bethesda. With the potential addition of Activision Blizzard franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo, Game Pass offers an enticing library that’s only getting stronger.

If you’ve been considering joining the Xbox ecosystem, the Xbox Series X is the perfect entry point. It delivers an experience exceeding expectations for longtime Xbox fans, and with improved console availability, there’s no better time to grab Microsoft’s powerful flagship console.

Design

With the design of the gaming console, Microsoft has completely outdone itself. It comes standing upright like a PC desktop tower. There’s the option of laying it done, but it looks better standing up. 

It’s covered with a black matte finish with an inner greenish tint inside the top air vent. It weighs 4.45 kg (9.8 lbs) which is a little heavier than the Xbox One at 3.81 kg (8.4 lbs).

In front, the Xbox logo placed at the top left is the power button. The Blu-ray disc drive and eject button are placed on the bottom left. A USB 3.2 port and IR receiver are placed on the bottom right.

At the back are more cooling vents, along with an HDMI 2.1 port, two more USB 3.2 ports, a network port, a storage expansion slot and power input. The design of the new Xbox console is different from its predecessor.

The matte finish gives it a nice, sleek and modern look, has plenty of input ports and plenty of cooling vents to keep it cool during gaming sessions. It’s a welcome addition and conveys a new face of gaming.

 

Gaming & Graphics

With the graphics, the games look gorgeous. The gameplay runs smoothly, the graphics environment and model textures look amazing, and the ray tracing really makes the game look close to realistic.

Don’t get rid of your old games because the Xbox series X is backward compatible. You can play last-gen games from Xbox One, and some of them from Xbox 360. An update online is available to optimize older games to work on 4K TVs.

 

(Image credit: Microsoft)

 

Note, there are very few games exclusive to the new Xbox series X upon release.    

You can also make use of the “Quick Resume” feature. It lets you suspend multiple games while you play, and loads them fast to get you straight back into action. That is a great feature. 

Overall, the graphics look great. They are well-textured, thanks to the added ray tracing. There are fewer new games to get right upon the launch of the new console but I guess you can be busy playing Xbox One games or older.

 

Performance

The Xbox Series X packs serious muscle under the hood, with a powerful processor, custom graphics card, and a speedy SSD.

This translates to real-world benefits like:

  • Lightning-Fast Load Times: The SSD slashes load times compared to the Xbox One S. Games like Sea of Thieves load in just 35 seconds, down from a whopping 100 seconds on the previous generation.

  • Stunning 4K Resolution with High Frame Rates: The Xbox Series X targets 4K resolution at 60 frames per second for most games, delivering smooth visuals and minimal frame drops. Some titles even offer 120fps for an incredibly responsive experience, though this often comes at the expense of resolution.

  • HDR Support for Enhanced Contrast: Enjoy vibrant colors and deeper blacks with HDR compatibility. Calibrating HDR ensures optimal visuals for each game.

  • Backwards Compatible Games Look and Play Better: Even older Xbox One titles benefit from the Xbox Series X’s hardware. You’ll notice improved visuals, often including native HDR thanks to Microsoft’s implementation.

  • FPS Boost for Older Games: This feature unlocks higher frame rates for select Xbox One games, making them smoother and more responsive. Titles like Gears 5 multiplayer can now run at a silky-smooth 120fps in 4K.

  • Expandable Storage: The 1TB SSD provides ample space for many games, but it can fill up quickly. The Seagate Storage Expansion Card offers a convenient and fast way to add more storage, although it’s quite pricey. Alternatively, you can connect an external hard drive for storing Xbox One and backwards-compatible games, but these won’t play optimized Xbox Series X titles.

  • Flexible Game Installations: Install only the parts of a game you want to play. For example, download just the Doom Eternal multiplayer mode or campaign, not both. This is a great feature for managing storage space.

Overall, the Xbox Series X delivers exceptional performance and gorgeous visuals, making it a powerhouse for gamers who want the best possible experience. The combination of speed, stunning graphics, and features like FPS Boost make the Xbox Series X a compelling choice for next-generation gaming.

 

Beyond Gaming

The Xbox Series X goes beyond just playing games, offering a variety of features that enhance the overall entertainment experience.

  • Quick Resume: This innovative feature lets you suspend and resume multiple games almost instantly, eliminating long loading screens. You can seamlessly jump between games in seconds, picking up right where you left off.
  • Extensive Backward Compatibility: Play thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even original Xbox games on your Series X. These games often benefit from faster loading times and improved performance.
  • Seamless Cross-Gen Play: Xbox Smart Delivery ensures you always have access to the best version of a game, regardless of whether you’re playing on Xbox Series X or Xbox One. You can even pick up your progress on one console and continue on the other.
  • 4K Blu-ray Player and Streaming Apps: Enjoy your favorite movies and shows in stunning 4K resolution with the built-in Blu-ray player and a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus. The console also supports Dolby Vision for superior visuals on compatible TVs.
  • Advanced Audio Options: Experience immersive spatial sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X support (additional purchase required). These technologies create a realistic soundscape, letting you pinpoint the location of enemies and other audio cues in your games.
  • Improved Xbox App: The new mobile app offers more control over your Xbox experience. Manage storage, voice chat with friends, share gameplay clips, and even use your phone as a remote control.

Overall, the Xbox Series X is a versatile entertainment hub that caters to gamers and non-gamers alike. With its powerful hardware, innovative features, and access to a vast library of content, it offers a compelling reason to upgrade your home entertainment system.

 

Xbox Series X Controller

The Xbox Series X controller retains the familiar shape and button layout of its predecessor, but with some subtle improvements for a more comfortable and premium feel.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Matte Finish: The controller now sports a sleek matte finish that matches the console’s design. However, the black version shows scuffs and scratches easily. Other color options might be more resistant.
  • Textured Grips and Buttons: The revised pad has a grippy texture on the triggers, bumpers, and grips, making the controller feel more secure in your hands.
  • Reduced Bulk: The bumpers and triggers are slightly smaller and rounded, improving comfort, especially for users with smaller hands.
  • Share Button: Capture screenshots and short videos easily with the new Share button – a welcome improvement over the multiple button presses required on Xbox One.
  • Hybrid D-Pad: This new D-Pad combines the classic design with a disc shape, offering more control and comfort.

 

(Image credit: Microsoft)

 

Everything else you’re used to is still there, including the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port for charging, and familiar button layout.

The controller also boasts improvements in functionality:

  • Lower Latency: The controller feels more responsive, likely due to the lower latency and more stable frame rates.
  • Wireless Versatility: The controller can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to a variety of devices, including the Xbox One, iPhones, and Macs.
  • Battery Options: While it still uses AA batteries, you can invest in a rechargeable battery pack or connect it to the console via USB-C for wired play.

Overall, the Xbox Series X controller offers a familiar design with some key improvements for enhanced comfort, functionality, and a more premium feel.

 

Verdict

That’s it for my review of the Xbox series X. If you like the review please leave a comment below. So click on the button and get yourself this awesome console. Stay safe until next time 😀