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Released: November 2020

Microsoft Xbox Series X/S

Xbox Series X In-Depth Review

1. Design and Build Quality

The Xbox Series X features a minimalist and monolithic design that emphasizes function over form. Its sleek, rectangular shape with matte black finish makes it look like a modern, compact PC tower. Standing at 15.1 inches tall, 5.9 inches deep, and 5.9 inches wide, it can be positioned both vertically and horizontally, fitting seamlessly into most entertainment setups.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Xbox Series X is solid and robust. The console's weight and compact design contribute to its premium feel. The large exhaust vent on the top helps with effective cooling, and the overall construction feels well-engineered to handle heavy gaming sessions.

Design Pros:
  • Compact, minimalist design that fits easily into entertainment centers.
  • Sturdy build with high-quality materials.
  • Efficient cooling system with quiet operation.
Design Cons:
  • Basic design lacks the visual flair of competitors.
  • The large exhaust vent can accumulate dust over time.

2. Hardware and Specifications

The Xbox Series X is one of the most powerful gaming consoles on the market, designed to deliver high performance and stunning visuals with its impressive hardware.

Key Specifications

  • CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 at 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz with SMT)
  • GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 12 TFLOPs, 52 CUs at 1.825 GHz
  • RAM: 16GB GDDR6
  • Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (802GB usable)
  • Ray Tracing: Supported
  • Resolution: Up to 8K with 120 FPS support in select games
  • HDR: Supported
  • Spatial Audio: 3D audio technology for immersive sound

Performance

The Xbox Series X delivers exceptional performance, thanks to its powerful GPU and high-speed SSD, which provides quick load times and seamless gameplay. It supports up to 120 FPS at 4K resolution, and even 8K output is possible in the future, although most games currently target 4K at 60 FPS.

Key Highlights

  • Blazing fast load times thanks to the NVMe SSD.
  • Ray tracing enhances lighting, reflections, and shadows in games.
  • Backward compatibility with thousands of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox titles.

3. Xbox Wireless Controller

The Xbox Series X comes with a refined version of the Xbox Wireless Controller, which features subtle ergonomic improvements, a new D-pad design, and a textured grip on the triggers and bumpers.

Key Features

  • Enhanced Ergonomics: The controller fits comfortably in hand, with refined grips and a more tactile feel.
  • Hybrid D-pad: A new, circular D-pad provides better precision and responsiveness.
  • Share Button: A dedicated Share button makes capturing and sharing gameplay easier than ever.
  • Low Latency: Improved wireless communication reduces input lag for a more responsive gaming experience.
Controller Pros:
  • Comfortable and familiar design with subtle enhancements.
  • Easy to use Share button for capturing moments.
  • Improved grip and feel with a responsive D-pad.
Controller Cons:
  • Lacks the advanced haptic feedback of the PS5 DualSense.
  • Still uses AA batteries, though rechargeable options are available separately.

4. User Interface and Experience

The Xbox Series X uses a familiar UI similar to the Xbox One, with a focus on speed, customization, and accessibility. The interface is clean, intuitive, and highly customizable, allowing users to pin their favorite games, apps, and features for quick access.

Key Highlights

  • Quick Resume: This standout feature allows players to switch between multiple games almost instantly, picking up exactly where they left off.
  • Dynamic Home Screen: The customizable home screen offers dynamic backgrounds and easy access to the latest games and media.
  • Backward Compatibility: Access to a vast library of older Xbox games, many of which benefit from improved performance and graphics.

The UI is responsive and stable, although some users may find it too similar to the previous generation, lacking the fresh appeal of a new console interface.

5. Backward Compatibility and Game Library

The Xbox Series X boasts one of the best backward compatibility offerings in the industry, supporting thousands of titles from previous Xbox generations. Many of these games run better on the Series X, with enhanced load times, improved frame rates, and Auto HDR for richer visuals.

Game Pass and Exclusives

Xbox Game Pass is a standout feature of the Series X, providing access to a vast library of games, including first-party titles on launch day. While the Series X lacks a robust lineup of exclusive games at launch compared to competitors, Game Pass offers tremendous value with a constantly growing selection of titles.

6. Media and Entertainment Features

The Xbox Series X doubles as a comprehensive media center, supporting 4K streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It also features a built-in 4K UHD Blu-ray player, offering a premium media experience alongside gaming.

Key Media Features

  • 4K HDR streaming from all major apps.
  • Support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for enhanced visuals and audio.
  • USB ports for external storage and media playback.

7. Noise, Heat, and Power Consumption

The Xbox Series X runs impressively quiet, even during demanding gameplay, thanks to its innovative split motherboard design and efficient cooling system. The large fan and exhaust vent keep the console cool under pressure, making it quieter than most gaming PCs and previous-gen consoles.

Power Consumption

The Series X is relatively power-efficient for its performance level, though it does draw significant power under heavy load, especially when running games at 4K 120 FPS.

8. Storage and Expandability

The Xbox Series X comes with a 1TB NVMe SSD, with about 802GB usable for games and apps. While the internal SSD offers fast load times, the available storage fills up quickly due to the large size of modern games.

Pros of Expandability:
  • Easy-to-use Seagate Storage Expansion Card adds 1TB of extra storage with the same speed as the internal SSD.
  • USB external hard drive support for backward-compatible games.
Cons of Expandability:
  • Expansion cards are expensive compared to traditional external drives.
  • Internal storage can fill up quickly, especially with 4K assets.

9. Verdict

The Xbox Series X is a powerful, versatile gaming console that excels in performance, backward compatibility, and as a media hub. Its understated design, robust hardware, and access to Xbox Game Pass make it a great value proposition for gamers looking for a seamless, next-gen experience.

Pros:
  • Exceptional performance with fast load times and stunning 4K visuals.
  • Quiet operation with effective cooling.
  • Strong backward compatibility with thousands of older games.
  • Xbox Game Pass offers incredible value with a vast library of games.
Cons:
  • Lacks standout exclusives compared to competitors.
  • Basic design may not appeal to all users.
  • High cost of expandable storage options.

Overall, the Xbox Series X is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful, next-generation console that delivers high-quality gaming and media experiences. With its impressive hardware and expanding game library, it’s a strong contender in the current gaming landscape.

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