Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is the ultimate Xbox, offering the best experience for playing Xbox games, both new and old.
Having been available for more than two years, the Xbox Series X is now easier to buy and boasts a much better roster of games, including enhanced versions of some of the best Xbox One titles.
For those expecting a revolutionary leap from the previous generation, the graphics jump from the Xbox One X to Series X isn’t groundbreaking. However, games like Forza Horizon 5 are visually impressive. More importantly, many games that struggled on older hardware now run much more smoothly and at 4K resolution.
The Xbox Series X has a lot to admire beyond its graphical capabilities. Read on for our full review to see if the new console has been worth the wait.
Xbox Series X Specs
| Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S | |
| Price | $500, £449, AU$749 | $300, £249, AU$499 |
| Processor | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8-core, 3.8GHz | Custom AMD Zen 2, 8-core, 3.8GHz |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 2, 12 teraflops, 1.8 GHz | AMD RDNA 2, 4 teraflops, 1.6 GHz |
| RAM | 16GB | 10GB |
| Storage | 1TB | 512GB |
| Display (Target) | 4K, 60 fps | 1440p, 60 fps |
| Display (Max) | 8K, 120 fps | 1440p, 120 fps |
Price and Availability
The Xbox Series X launched for $499 in the U.S. in November 2020. Initially priced at £499 in the U.K., it saw a price hike to £479. Similarly, in Australia, the price increased from AU$749 to AU$799. Despite these changes, significant discounts have become more common. Last holiday season, the Xbox Series X hit its lowest price ever of $349, including a free copy of Diablo 4.
Design
The Xbox Series X resembles a small-form-factor PC with a monolithic design that could be seen as uninspired. Measuring 15.1 x 15.1 x 30.1 centimeters and weighing 9.8 pounds, it is a rather bulky machine but smaller than the PS5. The system can be placed vertically or horizontally, with soft pads indicating the correct positioning for lying sideways. The vertical orientation is likely better for cooling, as the console intakes air from the bottom and vents it out the top. The cooling system runs very quietly, and the console remains cool to the touch.
Ports
The front of the Xbox Series X features a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a Blu-ray disc drive, and a wireless controller pairing button. The back houses an HDMI 2.1 port, two more USB 3.1 ports, an Ethernet port, and a Kensington lock. Notably absent are the optical audio connection and HDMI-in port, both of which were present on the Xbox One. The expansion slot for a proprietary external PCIe 4.0 SSD allows for an additional 1 TB of storage.
Interface and Quick Resume
The Xbox Series X UI is nearly identical to that of the Xbox One. While it doesn’t feature a major interface overhaul, the UI remains comprehensive, allowing for remote access, data transfer between drives, and HDR display calibration. The Quick Resume feature, which lets you have multiple games loaded simultaneously and switch between them quickly, is a standout addition. This feature, absent in the PS5, enhances the user experience by reducing game load times significantly.
Performance
With more Xbox Series X optimized games available, the console’s 12 teraflops of graphics power shine through. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Gears 5 showcase the console’s ability to deliver impressive visuals and smooth performance. Even non-optimized games benefit from the console’s fast SSD, with significantly reduced load times. Red Dead Redemption 2, for instance, loads much faster on the Series X compared to the One X.
Games
The Xbox Series X boasts an enviable library of titles, including Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, and Elden Ring. While many of these are not exclusive to the Series X, the console’s hardware ensures they run at their best. Upcoming titles like Starfield are expected to further showcase the console’s capabilities.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass, priced at $9.99 or £7.99 per month, offers a vast library of games. The Ultimate subscription, at $14.99 or £10.99 per month, provides access to games on both Xbox and PC, cloud streaming, and save syncing. This makes Game Pass an essential partner for the Series X, offering one of the best deals in gaming.
Backwards Compatibility
Backwards compatibility is superb on the Xbox Series X. Installing and playing games from any Xbox generation is straightforward, and the console’s power ensures smoother performance for older titles. Auto HDR and FPS Boost further enhance the experience, making the Series X the best console for playing Xbox games from all generations.
Controller
The new Xbox Wireless Controller is a subtle evolution of its predecessor. It features textured triggers, an improved D-pad, and a share button for screenshots and recordings. While it still uses AA batteries, the controller remains one of the most comfortable and refined on the market.
Verdict
The Xbox Series X stands out as a powerful current-generation console capable of running games from previous generations. Its fast SSD, 4K resolution, and smooth performance make it a must-have. Though not cheap, it offers better value than an equivalent gaming PC and supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, making it a versatile machine. If you’re looking for the best gaming experience outside of the PS5, the Xbox Series X is the console to get.