Microsoft Xbox Series X

Specs

The Microsoft Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship next-gen console, aiming for top-tier performance, immersive graphics, and ultra-fast load times. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of its features, performance, and experience.

Design and Build

The Series X has a distinctive, monolithic design resembling a small tower PC. Standing at about 15.1 inches tall and 5.9 inches wide, it’s a compact, understated black box with clean lines. The front panel has the signature Xbox power button, a 4K Blu-ray drive, a USB-A port, and a pairing button. The top has a green-tinted vent for cooling, giving it a unique look when seen from above.

While minimalistic, it’s a sturdy, well-built device. Its unique design makes it fit well into both vertical and horizontal setups, though it’s noticeably bigger than its predecessor, the Xbox One X.

Hardware and Performance

At its core, the Series X is designed for high-performance gaming, with specs that are a significant leap forward:

• Processor: Custom 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU (3.8 GHz)
• Graphics: 12 teraflops AMD RDNA 2 GPU
• RAM: 16GB GDDR6
• Storage: 1TB custom NVMe SSD

With its powerful CPU and GPU, the Series X can run games at 4K resolution with up to 120 frames per second (fps), delivering stunning visuals and ultra-smooth gameplay. Many games support ray tracing, which adds realistic lighting and shadow effects, bringing more immersion to visually demanding games.

The SSD is another significant highlight, allowing for blazing-fast load times and the ability to quickly resume multiple games simultaneously. The Quick Resume feature lets you switch between games in seconds, resuming from where you left off. This feels seamless and cuts down waiting times significantly.

Graphics and Ray Tracing

The 4K visuals on the Series X are phenomenal, especially when paired with an HDR-compatible display. The GPU’s support for DirectX ray tracing brings life-like lighting and reflections to supported titles. In games like Forza Horizon 5, the difference is immediately apparent, with reflections in puddles, realistic shadows, and lighting that mimics real-world conditions.

For games not optimized for ray tracing, the Series X still provides enhanced visuals, smoother frame rates, and faster load times due to its advanced architecture.

Game Library and Backward Compatibility

Xbox’s game library is extensive, with backward compatibility for games across four generations, from the original Xbox to the Xbox One. Titles from previous generations benefit from Auto HDR and FPS Boost, which can increase frame rates for older titles without developer input.

Additionally, the Game Pass Ultimate subscription provides access to a vast catalog of games, including popular titles, indie games, and day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios. Coupled with cloud gaming on Game Pass, players can enjoy select games even if they haven’t downloaded them.

Storage and Expandability

The console’s 1TB SSD provides ample storage, but with modern games averaging between 50GB and 100GB, it can fill up quickly. Microsoft offers a 1TB expansion card developed with Seagate, which matches the internal SSD’s speed and seamlessly integrates with the system. However, it’s worth noting that the expansion card is relatively expensive, adding to the overall cost.

External USB drives can also be used to store and play backward-compatible games, though only the internal SSD and expansion card can run Series X|S-optimized games.

User Interface and Experience

The Series X interface is clean, fast, and user-friendly, with familiar Xbox elements. It’s customizable and integrates Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live features seamlessly. However, the UI doesn’t bring anything new compared to the Xbox One, which might feel a bit disappointing for users expecting a complete overhaul.

The Quick Resume feature stands out here, allowing you to suspend multiple games simultaneously and switch between them without loading screens. This feature is especially valuable for players who enjoy jumping between multiple games.

Controller

The Microsoft Xbox Series X controller doesn’t stray far from its predecessor’s design, which was already widely praised. The changes are subtle yet impactful, with improved ergonomics, textured grips, a new Share button for easier captures, and a refined D-pad that combines elements from the Xbox Elite controller.

The controller is slightly smaller and has a more comfortable feel, but it still uses AA batteries by default. Rechargeable battery packs are available for those who prefer not to use disposable batteries.

Audio and Connectivity

The Series X supports Dolby Atmos and DTS

audio technologies, creating immersive soundscapes that enhance gameplay. Dolby Vision HDR support is also available, which significantly boosts color accuracy and dynamic range for games and media content.

In terms of connectivity, the console has HDMI 2.1 (necessary for 4K120 gaming on compatible displays), three USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, and the storage expansion slot.

Heat and Noise

Thanks to its efficient cooling system, the Series X operates quietly even during intensive gameplay sessions. Its unique design helps dissipate heat through the large fan on top, ensuring the console doesn’t overheat. While it does generate some warmth, it’s generally quieter and cooler than previous Xbox consoles.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional 4K gaming performance with ray tracing
• Blazing-fast load times and Quick Resume
• Backward compatibility with enhanced older games
• Extensive Game Pass library with cloud gaming
• Quiet, efficient cooling system

Cons:

• Limited 1TB storage fills up quickly
• High cost of storage expansion
• Lacks a brand-new UI experience
• AA battery usage in the controller by default

Conclusion

The Microsoft Xbox Series X represents a massive leap forward in gaming performance and is an ideal console for players looking for top-of-the-line graphics, fast load times, and access to a rich library of games. The addition of Game Pass and backward compatibility with enhanced older games make it a versatile choice. The storage limitations are a drawback, especially given the price of the expansion cards, but it’s a minor downside for an otherwise stellar gaming experience.

If you’re looking for a next-gen console that delivers on all fronts, the Microsoft Xbox Series X is one of the best investments in gaming hardware.