Verdict
The Xbox Series X does n’t make headway on exclusive games , but when it come to features it is an amazing bit of kit , with highlight including Quick Resume , Smart Delivery and Xbox Game Pass . However , it is in risk of falling behind with both slimmer and more powerful versions of the PS5 now useable and no sign of a supercharge Series X to vie .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Xbox Series X is one of the fastest biz console that you’re able to presently bribe , offering 4 green graphics and a turbocharged SSD .
However , it has fierce rivalry not only in the strain of the PS5 but newer PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro solace that propose a slimmer build and even more powerful graphics operation respectively . Sony also has a corking natural selection of eminent - timbre first - party game than Microsoft despite the release of first - company form of address like Starfield and Microsoft Flight Simulator .
That ’s not to say there are n’t plenty of reason to buy the flagship Xbox , however , with features like Game Pass , Quick Resume and Smart Delivery all proving to be fantastic additions .
After spend over four years with the Xbox Series , here are my thoughts on whether it ’s still deserving a purchase in 2024 .
Design
Microsoft has abandoned old intent convention with the Xbox Series X , opting for something more akin to an office desktop microcomputer than a traditional gambling console . It ’s a courageous exit , and one of which I ’m definitely a fan .
At first glance , it may look needlessly bulky , but it has slotted under my desk , alongside my existing TV setup with ease , the sharp corners and clear-cut profile make it an ideal fit .
Nobody is going to call the Series X a stunner ; at launch , it was compared to a fridge so many times that Microsoft ended up actuallymaking one . But it is n’t hollo for tending like the PS5 , which has largely observe the same design language with the new PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro , and I care it that way . One in - your - fount games console is more than enough .
Measuring 301 x 151 x 151 mm and weighing 4.46 kg , the Series X has a detectable heft , but one that also exudes a degree of premium quality you ’ll see in only top - lineament electronics . You may or may not appreciate the design , but you certainly would n’t be capable to deny the craft . Taking sure aspects of theXbox One Xblueprint , Microsoft inflate upon them here , maintain optical motif that coiffe it aside from the less powerfulSeries S.
The power button sit around sequestrate in the left - bridge player niche , while the eject and sync button are see alongside the magnetic disc movement and a unmarried USB 3.1 porthole on the opposite side . Once again , it ’s a minimal yet impactful coming that Microsoft is aiming for , and every facet of the Series X exudate this sense of style . The persist side are left completely white , with the exception of four pocket-sized marrow that cushion the console table if it ’s lay on its side . Be warned , it ’s also a fingermark magnet .
Be mindful of ventilation though ; the fan resides on the top of the unit of measurement , indicate that a horizontal billet is arguably the Series X ’s ideal . On the tooshie of the unit you ’ll find the console ’s porthole along the lower half , with the phone number reduced moderately next to the Xbox One menage of machines . Inputs let in anHDMI 2.1port , 2 USB 3.1 port , an Ethernet port and a store expanding upon slot .
Memory enlargement is handled by bespoke SSD drives produced by Microsoft in partnership with Seagate . You ’ll require a specific drive speed to deal titles that are optimised for Series X. They ’re expensive , but the introduction and removal of such devices is no difficult than plug in a PS2 computer storage bill of fare back in the twenty-four hours . It ’s far easier to elaborate your Series X storage than doing the same for the PS5 , for which you ’ll need a screwdriver and the sureness to pull the matter asunder .
The controller is a lowly yet worthwhile improvement over the Xbox One computer peripheral . It feels more easy to hold thanks to a textured grip across the back and along the triggers . A share release has also been insert , making the act of entrance your epic gamer moments far more simple . Those who utilise rechargeable electric battery ingroup will expect aUSB - Ccable , which is now the stock input for the controller . Unfortunately , one is n’t included in the box .
Dolby Atmosand HDR are fully confirm on Xbox Series X , pick up solid implementation in the legal age of raise games I ’ve test and looking positively gorgeous on my Sony X900H extend . Automatic HDR has also been incorporated into backwards compatibility , utilise the feature to titles which were never mean to corroborate it .
The results can be miscellaneous , but are in the end impressive pass on it can be fan out across three propagation of hardware . More vivacious coloring , realistic lighting and a sharper ikon overall across the bulk of my subroutine library is a lovely little fillip , and will in all probability only improve as Microsoft hones it further in succeeding updates . On my showing I had to disableDolby Visionwhen flip-flop to a 120fps yield , which is a worthwhile via media given the performance addition .
So , what about the skip ? The infrared chargeman and HDMI passthrough have been abandoned , mostly because this is now a consecrated games cabinet , rather than an “ all - in - one medium post ” , like the vanilla Xbox One . I have welcomed the monotone , angular design of the Xbox Series X , which has made stick in cable television from behind a proportional piece of cake ; rather than have to fiddle dispiritedly in the wickedness or having to rustle the heavy whole out of its roost plaza .
Overall , the intention of the Xbox Series X is likely to be polarize , specially for those who are used to more traditional consoles . To me , it ’s clear that Microsoft is following a roadmap with this design , building creatively on what come before it to ensure the Series X is seen as its most powerful console yet . The massive nature of its pattern is purposefully impactful , making it the ideal older sibling to the comparably dinkyXbox Series S.
Specs and technology
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console Microsoft has ever made , both in terms of its specifications and the technical school being apply to push game from the past , present and next to new limits . The best Xbox title look grotesque , and the console table ’s genius backwards compatibility technical school can transform gambling experiences that once felt clunky and archaic into something that palpate futurist .
First , let ’s start with the foundation . The Xbox Series X is powered by a usage AMD Zen 2CPUwith eight individual core run at 3.8GHz , one of which is dedicated completely to operating system and user user interface functions . While its layout remain largely unchanged , syphoning off such concrete resources to the UI results in unfound levels of fluidness . Even with ample quantity of power , at times the Xbox One X continued to skin with arrangement sailing ; conversely , the Series X decimates obstacles without hesitation .
As for theGPU , Microsoft once again teams up with AMD , with RDNA 2 architecture being implemented into the graphics central processor . Boasting an impressive 56 compute units with 3,584 cores , it ’s capable of pushing select games up to a 4 K at 120fps carrying out , which is telling even when compared to the in vogue microcomputer play computer hardware .
The Xbox Series X is in possession ofHDMI 2.1port – which , technically , makes 8 K output potential . However , you ’ll in all probability only see 8 K resolutions for media playback on cyclosis services such as Netflix and Disney Plus once financial backing airfoil . You ’ll also need a top - death idiot box or monitor to actually see the betterment .
You ’re plausibly ill of get wind about trillion floating point operations per second as a nonsensical buzzword for the most powerful consoles on the market , so I ’m delighted to account that Xbox Series X has 12.15 of the suckers . That ’s more or less four time more than the Xbox One X. Given that the aforementioned cabinet is still up to of pushing innovative blockbuster to aboriginal 4 kB with a decent floor of operation , this is a frankly astounding specification .
Alongside the omnipotent teraflops you ’ll find 16 GB of GDDR6 remembering , 10 GB of which is being prioritised for games themselves . The remaining 6 GB aims to rivet on computing use , like the user port . In the future , it is likely that talented developer will be able-bodied to focus resource management to really help this console
This is a auto that can play hundred of games spread across the original Xbox , Xbox 360 and Xbox One , leave automatic operation and visual improvements to the legal age of them . Several twelvemonth into this console generation , I still get a thrill from downloading an old 360 - geological era favorite and seeing it run as fluent as butter .
Performance
The seamless nature of maintaining your subsist console experience , but with so many caliber - of - life improvements , is fabulously welcome – and this is evident in the loading meter of every plot we tested . Whether or not it has received a bespoke update to support the console , the Xbox Series X is capable of decreasing the time it takes to jump into games importantly , while simultaneously pushing firmness and execution . For circumstance , the below metric refer to loading from the title screen directly into gameplay .
Backwards compatibility does have its disadvantage , however . If , in the past , a title had n’t received an update to enable funding for the Xbox One X , it can appear particularly rough visually . While it ’s smooth and fill to play , Watch Dogs 2is a mess of aliasing artefacts and poor draw distances , since it ’s work from the technological compromises applied by the original Xbox One computer hardware .
standardised complaint can be levelled at game such asAlien IsolationandWolfenstein : The New Order , which does n’t glean all of the benefits of Series X merely as a result of their original state . This is n’t a deal - breaker , but something worth taking into account for those who plan to dig deep into their subsist libraries . Those titles with dedicated update are a unlike story completely , withFinal Fantasy XVbeing given a second letting of living with dramatically enhanced loading time and performance that ’s now locked at 60fps .
It ’s a similar level withMonster Hunter WorldandNieR : Automata , which show that previous generation title with unlocked frame rates are now able to go much further without making the Series X break a sweat . Games with locked frame rate ca n’t be alter on Series X , so it ’s only possible to do good from rearwards compatibility to a stage before you rack up a bulwark . Nevertheless , birth approach to so many games at your fingertips is a final positive , even if they could be pushed further with a bit of tinkering .
Exactly what the word “ optimize ” way will vary depending on the rubric , but you may usually look improved performance , visual fidelity and graphic feature such as ray trace and 120fps performance that but were n’t potential on the previous generation of consoles .
Gears 5is easily the most impressive example , take a third - person shooter that already ran beautifully on Xbox One X and enhancing it even further .
The Coalition has put its own personal signature into a new update that build up on the optical faithfulness with increased detail across its character and surround . Series X also allowed the studio apartment to lessen response time in controls , resulting in a far fluent experience overall when actively reloading amidst hordes of locusts . The grownup takeaway is 120fps multiplayer for those with compatible video display , double the smoothness of the military action in a very pregnant way .
Another flagship form of address isYakuza : Like a Dragon , a series that ’s been a PlayStation mainstay since its inception – but it ’s now hopped into Microsoft ’s open arms too . The eccentric RPG can be played in two modes , one that prioritise carrying out , and another that amps up the visuals to unprecedented level .
give its status as a turn - base RPG , the majority of my playthrough was spent at 4K/30fps , happy with the lower level of execution so the luscious metropolis of Yokohama and Kamurocho could really gleam . But if you ’d rather play at 60fps at 1440p , the choice is there , and it marks the first time the engine has achieve such a benchmark on console .
The musing of streetlights in shallow puddles possess a luminescence on Series X that ’s lacking in older cabinet , while the increase resolution allow character and buildings to pop with flair . Aliasing and jagged border are vastly thin out on both mode , showing that serious exploit has pass away into do Yakuza strike .
Software
The user interface for Xbox Series X is virtually identical to the previous generation , although the power of the console let for everything to feel far more cohesive and satisfying during present moment - to - moment navigation . you may transition between menu and applications within seconds , alternatively of take in to hold off for assets to load on Xbox One . It ’s such a gross difference , and I find it hard to go back when revisiting older hardware .
Microsoft still favor a tile - based dashboard , with your capable and most recently played games sitting in the top row . It ’s by no means a risky interface , but it ’s moderately littered , and whether you care it or not there will always be a few ad display on the home screen .
you could change the background to either a static or dynamic theme , but the abundance of tiles means it ’s always going to be at least partly obstructed , and I do wish for the more minimalist redesign Microsoft has reportedly been work on for some time . Still , it ’s easy to skip into the Game Pass section of the fascia , and that ’s where I ’d imagine most hoi polloi will be pass most of their time browse .
Sharing screenshots and videos has been a part of the Xbox ecosystem for several class now , and the new controller tolerate you to capture them with a soupcon of a button . It ’s unlined , and everything you take will be automatically uploaded to Xbox Live for deliver and sharing after the fact . Or , you may do it straightaway from your console .
There are still a few more hoop to jump through before sharing a screenshot than I ’d like , and the experience put behind bars behind the PS5 in term of overall hurrying – but it ’s a far vociferation from what came before it .
Accessing your game , engaging with on-line communities and even swop games between unlike drives is a picnic , attest the encroachment of the SSD . Quick Resume is a revolutionary newfangled feature article that ’s changed how I go up gambling on Xbox platforms .
It lets you seamlessly switch between a utmost of six games almost instantly , dropping you now into the action without give birth to laden forward motion or wait for an outpouring of logos to slide by by . I was shocked by the fluidity of this characteristic , mark it as witchcraft after Quick Resume was able-bodied to recall the states for several games after having been unplugged overnight .
The SSD is cache instance of each game into its storage , which the Series X is capable to switch between in an wink . There ’s no negative impact on performance or visuals as a result ; you ’re plainly returning to a game as if it ’s been freshly bring up . Certain titles that rely on a never-ending internet connection do n’t support the characteristic justly now , which is understandable , but the fact that the bulk of experience both old and new support this feature out of the box is staggering .
Xbox Series X also comes with a 4 K Blu - beam player , which is far more equal to than what was box with the One X and One S. Testing a film that supports both 4 K and HDR , the experience was unruffled , responsive and the image on - screen looked positively gorgeous .
Game library
When it come to the Xbox Series X and game , it ’s all about Game Pass . Microsoft ’s subscription service stay the adept in play by some length , even if there have n’t been too many new first - political party title to download or stream in the last 18 month or so .
With a top - tierGame Pass Ultimateplan ( £ 12.99/$16.99 a month ) you have accession to over 100 rotate game . Any Microsoft - publish game ( include Bethesda deed ) launches on Game Pass twenty-four hour period one and stay put there , which is not a welfare Sony currently proffer on any of its PS Plus level . Game Pass Ultimate also rolls in an EA Play membership , which include a appeal of EA ’s most pop titles , and often time - restrict trials for new games .
While all of the above undeniably make for a very well deal , I must indicate out that first - political party Xbox games have n’t exactly been add up in thick and tight lately . Starfieldwas one of the only standout plot of 2023 ultimately arrived , and while it ’s a solid offering , is n’t able to bridge the gap with PlayStation with its offering ofMarvel ’s Spider - Man 2,God of War Ragnarok , andHorizon Forbidden West .
Still , Game Pass has never just been about first - company game . Microsoft still regularly bring down peck with indie publishers andAAAbig hitters alike , while you could probably pass an intact class playing through the fantastic Persona series alone , which is now available on Game Pass .
The future of the service is unclear , but right now , no Xbox Series X possessor should be without it . And if you ’re playing catchup on the last few class , you have a veritable digital goldmine ofHalo Infinite , Psychonauts 2,Forza Horizon 5andSea of Thievessitting there waitress for you .
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Final Thoughts
The Xbox Series X offers plenty of major upgrades on its predecessor , including 4 K graphics with support forray tracing , super - speedy SSDs to pace through loading screens and features like Quick Resume that permit you to boot up a game right where you left it .
But if I ’m completely honest , the new - gen experience we were promised by both Microsoft and Sony has n’t quite happen yet . We ’re yet to see the hardware pushed to its point of accumulation , with Microsoft ’s insistence on supporting late hardware arguably hold back its potential . And while Microsoft has made steps to ameliorate the first - party catalog with major acquisitions , that ’s yet to bear much fruit – the PS5 still leads that contest .
Game Pass is probably still the most appealing aspect of the Xbox weapons platform , and I ’ve never even consider cancelling it . But Microsoft still has some way of life to go to entice histrion over from thePS5ecosystem .
Trusted Score
How we test
for essay the Xbox Series X , we encounter a number of games and compared its carrying out to rival consoles such as the PS5 .
We ’ve also made sure to jibe the previous microcode updates and design revision to make indisputable this review is up - to - date for modern - day buyers .
FAQs
The Xbox Series X is technically able of 8 K output , but that does n’t mean you ’ll be playing the next Forza game in 8K. With so slight 8 K capacity and so few 8 K TV owners out there , the functionality has not yet been unlocked on the Series X. Game developer , meanwhile , are still condense on 4 K play and I do n’t see that changing any metre soon , especially collapse how difficult it is raise to be for the current consoles to even keep aboriginal 4 K visuals alongside gamey frame rate .
Yes . Microsoft has put a huge amount of endeavour into ensuring that the bulk of the Xbox One , Xbox 360 and original Xbox library are compatible with the Xbox Series X and S. Not every game will work on the console , but the vast majority do , and most of the time they mechanically look and run well than they ever did on the older hardware .
Game Pass Ultimate is n’t incisively cheap , but this gives you admittance to more than 100 secret plan , either on the console itself or over the cloud on a support cyclosis machine such as your smartphone or theSteam Deck . Every game Microsoft publishes is available to download on Game Pass from day one , and will stay there , which was the ship’s company ’s magnanimous promise at the beginning of this generation . The downside is that third - political party game are finally removed from the service , so if you ’re halfway through something that of a sudden leaves Game Pass , you ’ll take to purchase it from the Microsoft Store to continue play .
Like the PS5 , the Xbox Series X is very expensive and is seldom importantly discounted . Most of the cabinet ’s games are also playable on the older Xbox One , and so far we have n’t had many Series X experiences that feel truly next - gen . The console promises 4K/60fps gaming , but if you desire to relish advanced kindling lineament such as ray tracing , you ’ll rarely be able to do so without sacrificing performance .
