The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s strongest next-generation console and might be launched on November 10 2020 for $499 / £449 / AU$749. Xbox Series X pre-orders are stay now, as are these for the cheaper and much less highly effective Xbox Series S, although inventory of the flagship console has been a lot more durable to search out.
After months of hypothesis, leaks and bulletins, we now know just about the whole lot about the Xbox Series X there may be to know – and we have even had our palms on it. We’ve identified about the next-gen Xbox’s tower-like design ever since its first reveal, and which Xbox Series X video games we’ll be taking part in when the console launches in November – regardless that Halo Infinite, an meant launch title, has been delayed till 2021. We additionally perceive how backwards compatibility works on Xbox Series X, together with how cross-gen sport possession will operate beneath the new Smart Delivery function.
Despite Halo being pushed again for the foreseeable, the Xbox Series X will nonetheless have an honest launch line up due to Xbox Game Pass and backwards compatibility.
While that’ll principally be present video games to start with, Microsoft can be integrating EA Play into its Game Pass providing on November 10, in addition to titles from its latest acquisition of Bethesda (Doom Eternal simply hit the service). Every title printed by Xbox Game Studios additionally arrives on Xbox Game Pass on the day of release, too, so you will by no means miss out on certainly one of Microsoft’s massive exclusives like Gears Tactics or Ori and the Will of the Wisps. It’s straightforward to conclude that getting gamers subscribed to Xbox Game Pass is simply as necessary to Microsoft as promoting {hardware}.
The Xbox Series X value, as talked about, is $499 / £449 / AU$749. Microsoft has additionally confirmed that its flagship console will launch alongside the cheaper, however much less highly effective, Xbox Series S, which can value $299 / £249 / AU$499. So, is it value shopping for an Xbox Series X now based mostly on what we all know? It actually will depend on what you need from a console.
In phrases of its design, the Xbox Series X is an enormous departure from earlier Xbox consoles, making it look extra like a small gaming PC – which is becoming contemplating it is on par with one. Thanks to Microsoft giving us the Xbox Series X’s full specs, we are able to say for certain that the new Xbox is an absolute powerhouse. While we cowl these in additional element down beneath, the in need of it’s that the new Xbox is rocking an eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor operating at 3.8GHz and a customized RDNA 2 AMD GPU that places out 12 TFLOPs of processing energy, in addition to 16GB of GDDR6 reminiscence.
When it involves different Xbox Series X options, the next-gen console may have ray-tracing, a super-fast SSD, and potential 8K capabilities, whereas additionally being backwards appropriate with 4 generations of Xbox video games.
Want all the juicy particulars as you make your pre-order determination? Here’s the whole lot we find out about the Xbox Series X – together with our personal impressions of the new Xbox.
TechRadar has had hands-on time with the Xbox Series X forward of its release. You can take a look at our early impressions beneath, together with our full hands-on preview.
Looking to get your palms on an Xbox Series X pre-order? Check out our devoted web page that is checking often for inventory as the console is now available for purchase or take a look at the greatest costs accessible proper now, beneath.
Xbox Series X impressions
TechRadar has had a while with the Xbox Series X forward of its release in just some weeks. Make certain to take a look at our Xbox Series X hands-on preview, the place we give our early impressions of the console. We even have impressions items on the Xbox Series X design, controller, backwards-compatibility function, and the Quick Resume function.
Keep an eye fixed on TechRadar for our full Xbox Series X impressions in the close to future.
Xbox Series X: key info
- What is it? Xbox Series X might be the next-gen Xbox console.
- Xbox Series X release date: November 10, 2020.
- What can I play on it? Loads of video games! Including Halo Infinite, Hellblade 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, with far more to return.
- What will the Xbox Series X value? $499 / £449 / AU$749.
- Can I play Xbox One video games on the Xbox Series X? Yep! All earlier generations of Xbox video games might be playable via backwards compatibility.
- Is the Xbox Series X higher than PS5? You can take a look at all the key similarities and variations in our PS5 vs Xbox Series X comparability piece.
- Will the Xbox Series X help Xbox One equipment? Yep! Microsoft has confirmed all present Xbox One equipment might be supported on Xbox Series X.
- Will Xbox Series X have VR? Microsoft has confirmed Xbox Series X will not have VR at launch, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer saying the firm is ready till Xbox VR is a “no-brainer”.
Xbox Series X release date
Microsoft confirmed in an Xbox Wire publish that each the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S will release November 10, 2020. Xbox Series X pre-orders are stay now, having opened on September 22.
Interestingly, Sony has pegged November 12, 2020 as the release date for the PS5, simply two days after the launch of Xbox Series X and Series S. That early lead may very well be a double-edged sword: it would give Xbox an early lead in gross sales, as some avid gamers would possibly merely need the earliest next-gen console accessible, or it might swing the different manner and avid gamers may not purchase any console till each can be found.
November is traditionally once we’ve seen new Xbox consoles launch and a release at the begin of the month provides customers time to get these orders in earlier than Christmas. Releasing in November additionally permits the Xbox Series X to launch forward of upcoming AAA titles resembling Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Cyberpunk 2077, and Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War that are all attributable to release in mid-to-late November, whereas additionally avoiding the launch being misplaced in the shuffle of Black Friday – which falls two weeks later.
Xbox Series X value
After a lot hypothesis, Microsoft lastly introduced that the Xbox Series X value might be $499 / £449 / AU$749. A month-to-month finance plan of $35 per 30 days can be accessible as a part of Xbox All Access.
Xbox Series X is significantly extra highly effective than both the Xbox One S or Xbox One X, and its larger price ticket displays that. Any bundles and Xbox Series X pre-orders will doubtless exceed the $499 RRP.
So how does that stack up in opposition to Sony? Well, fairly favorably, actually. The PS5 can be focusing on $499 / £449 / AU$749 for the common PS5 and $399 / £359 / AU$599 for the PS5 Digital Edition. What you will discover there may be that whereas each premium consoles value the similar, Microsoft has the edge in the digital console race by shaving $100 off the sticker value, giving it a slight leg up… effectively, a minimum of on paper.
Xbox Series X specs
- CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU
- GPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU
- Die Size: 360.45 mm2
- Process: 7nm Enhanced
- Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320b bus
- Memory Bandwidth: 10GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
- Internal Storage: 1TB Custom NVME SSD
- I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s
- Expandable Storage: 1TB Expansion Card (matches inner storage precisely)
- External Storage: USB 3.2 External HDD Support
- Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive
- Performance Target: 4K @ 60 FPS, Up to 120 FPS
We know what Xbox Series X seems like and what it is packing beneath the hood, and it should be an absolute beast of a console. The new Xbox’s gaming PC design is fairly apt, contemplating the next-gen console’s inner {hardware} is comparable to 1 – so be sure you take a look at our Xbox Series X spec evaluation.
Digital Foundry evaluation
The of us over at Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry received an in depth take a look at the {hardware} and, alongside Microsoft, introduced the {hardware} that might be powering the Xbox Series X. According to Digital Foundry, the specs affirm that the Xbox Series X will certainly be twice as highly effective as the Xbox Once X… in observe.
Digital Foundry noticed an unoptimized model of Gears 5 operating on the Xbox Series X operating at the equal of ‘Ultra’ graphics settings on PC, and it comes with enhanced shadows and ray tracing. Where the lower scenes ran at 30FPS on the Xbox One X, Digital Foundry reported that on the Xbox Series X, it runs at a ‘flawless’ 60FPS. Also, that is an early port – on release we must always see even higher outcomes.
As anticipated, the Xbox Series X processor is constructed right into a customized Project Scarlett SoC (System on Chip), which makes use of an enhanced model of TSMC’s 7nm course of. That seven nanometers is necessary. The smaller the course of, the extra environment friendly the chip might be. That means it might present extra efficiency for much less energy.
Making certain the chip inside a video games console can carry out effectively with out utilizing plenty of energy (and getting sizzling) is extremely necessary. Based on the prototype {hardware} Digital Foundry seen, the Xbox Series X reportedly ships with a 315W energy provide – delivered internally however the console can be geared up with parallel cooling structure, permitting cool air in and letting that cool air stream via separate areas of the console.
A customized processor and graphics card from AMD
The processor is a custom-made AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight cores and 16 threads, with a peak pace of three.8GHz, and a base pace of three.6GHz.
As Digital Foundry reveals, these frequencies aren’t fully locked, which suggests the Xbox Series X might alter the energy of the CPU based mostly on workload and thermals. So, in the event you’re taking part in a sport that wants a whole lot of processing energy, the Xbox Series X can provide its CPU a lift, and then gradual it down while you don’t want it.
Meanwhile, the GPU of the Xbox Series X can be a customized design with 12 teraflops of compute efficiency, with 3328 shaders allotted to 52 compute models, and runs at a locked 1,825 MHz. Interestingly, there’s no enhance clocks for the GPU. It will all the time run at that pace.
The Xbox Series X additionally makes use of AMD’s RDNA 2 structure, and presents ray tracing for photo-realistic lighting. What does this imply in the actual world? It appears the Xbox Series X may have the graphical energy acquirement to a gaming PC with an Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card. So, a really succesful machine certainly, however perhaps not in a position to compete with the strongest gaming PCs.
More reminiscence for a smoother expertise
The Xbox Series X additionally will get 16GB of GDDR6 reminiscence – an improve from the Xbox One X’s 12GB GDDR5. That received’t all be utilized in video games, nevertheless. Games will get a complete of 13.5GB – 10GB of GPU optimum reminiscence and 3.5GB of normal reminiscence, whereas the remaining 2.5GB is reserved for the working system, so the consumer interface of the Xbox Series X ought to run rather a lot sooner.
The sooner GDDR6 reminiscence also needs to supply an enormous leap in efficiency. Match that with a super-fast NVMe SSD, and the Xbox Series X ought to really feel very spritely when used.
8K functionality
Despite 4K being the intention, Microsoft has stated the Xbox Series X has 8K functionality. Phil Spencer even beforehand modified his Twitter profile picture to (what seemed to be) an image of the next-gen Xbox Series X’s processor. It stated ‘Project Scarlett’ on it (the codename for next-gen Xbox consoles), and was marked with ‘8K’ (pictured above), suggesting Microsoft plans on doing greater than merely speaking the speak relating to 8K.
Variable Rate Shading
Microsoft is aiming to get Xbox Series X video games to run at 60 FPS in 4K, calling the problem a “design goal”. The console will help as much as 120 FPS too. The Xbox Series X may also function Variable Rate Shading, which prioritizes results on totally different in-game characters and objects for a “more stable frame rate and higher resolution”, in response to Microsoft.
Velocity Architecture
Made of of 4 key elements, a customized NVME SSD, {hardware} accelerated decompression blocks, a model new DirectStorage API layer and Sampler Feedback Streaming (SFS), Velocity Architecture will permit the Xbox Series X to ship efficiency past its uncooked specs, just about eliminating loading occasions, decreasing sport file sizes and permitting for the creation of larger, extra immersive, sport worlds. In addition, it is the key to the Xbox Series X’s Quick Resume function, which permits gamers to seamlessly soar again into the place they left off in a sport.
Seagate expandable storage
The Xbox Series X Seagate enlargement card seems like a cross between an exterior arduous drive and USB thumb drive, and it’s designed to be plugged instantly into the proprietary port on the again of the Xbox Series X console. While we don’t love proprietary ports, this seems prefer it’ll be used in order that the speeds of the Xbox Series X enlargement card match the speeds of the inner SSD inside the Xbox Series X. This signifies that, when taking part in video games from the enlargement card, there received’t be any impression to efficiency, which might occur in the event you used a slower exterior USB arduous drive.
The Seagate web site explains how this may very well be used with the Quick Resume function of the Xbox Series X – the place avid gamers can swap between video games immediately with out having to load the video games once more. It appears that switching between video games on the inner SSD and the enlargement card might be seamless (although you might want to purchase the enlargement card individually).
The Seagate enlargement card’s flash reminiscence is customized PCIe Gen4x2 NVMe with a capability of 1TB.
Ultrawide help
Not solely will video games look higher, they may very well be larger. In an interview with PCGamesN, Samsung revealed that it is speaking with Microsoft and pushing the gaming behemoth to undertake ultrawide help for the Xbox Series X. Nothing has been confirmed as of but, although.
Super-fast SSD
The Xbox Series X will make good use of getting an SSD – a ‘Quick Resume’ function for the console will allow you to “almost instantly” proceed with a number of video games, with out the want to take a seat via load screens.
Improved latency
Microsoft additionally goals to enhance latency via options resembling Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). According to Microsoft, “ALLM allows Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X to automatically set the connected display to its lowest latency mode”. While “VRR synchronizes the display’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, maintaining smooth visuals without tearing”. These options intention to reduce lag and make gaming extra responsive.
However, do not anticipate video to do the Xbox Series X’s energy justice. Xbox boss Phil Spencer believes that it’s been difficult to show simply how a lot of a leap Xbox Series X might be over Xbox One, as sooner and extra steady body charges aren’t one thing that basically comes throughout in movies.
Speaking to ex-Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-aime on his new podcast (thanks, GameSpot), Spencer lamented the indisputable fact that avid gamers may not respect the energy of Xbox Series X simply but.
“One of the things I’ve talked about publicly … but it’s hard to come across, is the way it feels to play games on a box where frame rates are higher, frame rates are more stable,” Spencer defined. “The fluidity of it, showing that in video form, is just impossible. How do you show how something feels?”
Backwards compatibility with Xbox One equipment
Microsoft has additionally confirmed that every one your present Xbox One equipment will work with Xbox Series X, together with present controllers and headsets. But we would doubt that additionally consists of the ill-fated Kinect movement tracker.
That signifies that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 might be ahead appropriate with Series X, however Microsoft can be launching a next-generation wi-fi controller to accompany the new console.
Xbox Series X design
Xbox Series X has a totally totally different design to its predecessors. For a begin, the next-gen console has an upright tower design – just like that of a gaming PC. However, Microsoft has confirmed Series X can sit horizontally or vertically.
From what we have seen thus far, the console is black with barely indented cooling vents on the prime (with a inexperienced hue inside). The Xbox brand sits small on the prime left hand nook of the console and there’s nonetheless a disc drive – which is positioned on the left hand aspect additionally.
The Xbox Series X has the following ports: HDMI 2.1 output port, three USB 3.2 ports, one networking port, an expanded storage slot and an influence enter port.
The console reportedly measures 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm and weighs 4.45kg/9.8lbs.
Check out our early impressions of the Xbox Series X design.
Xbox Series X controller
Microsoft is releasing an Xbox Series X controller to accompany its subsequent technology console. The new Xbox Wireless Controller will apparently be extra accessible to everybody, as Microsoft has made an effort to refine the dimension and form.
This should not be too shocking to anybody that is been following the tech large, as it has been making waves for accessibility in gaming for some time now with merchandise like the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Along with enhanced accessibility, we’ll even be getting a devoted share button (lastly) that may allow you to share screenshots and movies with your mates.
Microsoft has additionally revealed that it’s optimizing latency in the “player-to-console pipeline” beginning with our Xbox Wireless Controller, via a new function known as Dynamic Latency enter. According to the firm, this function “synchronizes input immediately with what is displayed”, making controls “more precise and responsive”.
Check out our early impressions of the Xbox Series X Controller.
Xbox Series X: what is going to I be taking part in?
We now have a fairly good thought of the Xbox Series X video games we’ll be getting our palms on when the new Xbox releases later this 12 months. For a full take a look at the dozens of Xbox Series X video games which have been confirmed thus far, take a look at our full Xbox Series X video games round-up.
But what else will we find out about Xbox Series X video games thus far? During the Xbox Series X’s official reveal, Phil Spencer stated Series X video games might be “more lifelike, immersive and surprising” and that the Xbox Series X will “lead us into the future of gaming”. He additionally said that 15 Xbox Game Studios are constructing an enormous next-generation library that features Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga and Halo Infinite (nevertheless neither might be accessible at launch, with Halo Infinite delayed till 2021).
Not a Halo fan? Don’t fear, Xbox Series X might be able to 4 generations of backwards compatibility – with the function accessible from launch. That means the Series X will be capable to play present Xbox One video games like Destiny 2 as effectively as backward-compatible Xbox 360 and unique Xbox video games. Not solely that, however these video games will “play better than ever before” due to Microsoft’s new HDR reconstruction approach and the Xbox Series X’s Quick Resume function – with out requiring extra work from builders.
In addition, the Xbox Series X’s highly effective specs will allow choose backwards-compatible titles to run at larger resolutions or double the body fee.
Not solely is Microsoft doubling down on backwards compatibility, however the firm can be introducing a new system known as Smart Delivery to the Series X that, in some respects, may very well be seen as forwards compatibility.
With the Xbox Series X, Smart Delivery will seemingly guarantee that you’ve got the proper model of a sport, irrespective of which Xbox console you’ve purchased it on, permitting customers to improve appropriate video games to next-gen variations for free via the program. Not solely that however save knowledge will be capable to be carried backwards and forwards between the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Xbox One, permitting gamers to choose up and play on each current-gen and next-gen consoles. We already know a few of the video games which can make the most of this function, together with Cyberpunk 2077.
Microsoft’s game-streaming service Project xCloud has additionally formally launched and comes free as a part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, so we must always be capable to get pleasure from Series X video games on-the-go. It’s value noting that Game Pass may also be cross-generational, permitting subscribers to proceed to play the service’s in depth library on the Xbox Series X.
For those that aren’t fairly offered on upgrading to Series X fairly but, however nonetheless need to take a look at the greatest upcoming video games, Microsoft has said that there will not be Xbox Series X unique video games for a minimum of a 12 months and, for the foreseeable future, new video games are deliberate to work throughout the Xbox household of gadgets. That means you will nonetheless be capable to play them on Xbox One.
You can take a look at the full listing of Xbox Series X launch titles beneath:
- Assassins Creed Valhalla (Smart Delivery)
- Borderlands 3 (Smart Delivery)
- Bright Memory 1.0
- Cuisine Royale (Smart Delivery)
- Dead by Daylight (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
- DIRT 5 (Smart Delivery)
- Enlisted
- Evergate
- The Falconeer (Smart Delivery)
- Fortnite
- Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Gears 5 (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Gears Tactics (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Grounded (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- King Oddball (Smart Delivery)
- Maneater (Smart Delivery)
- Manifold Garden (Smart Delivery)
- NBA 2K21
- Observer: System Redux
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Planet Coaster (Smart Delivery)
- Sea of Thieves (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- Tetris Effect: Connected (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- The Touryst (Xbox Game Pass + Smart Delivery)
- War Thunder (Smart Delivery)
- Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition
- Watch Dogs: Legion (Smart Delivery)
- WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship (Smart Delivery)
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Smart Delivery)
- Yes, Your Grace (Smart Delivery)
Check out our early impressions of Quick Resume and early impressions of Xbox Series X backwards compatibility.
What about Xbox Series S?
The Xbox Series S (codenamed ‘Project Lockhart’) is the now-confirmed cheaper console from Microsoft. The Xbox Series S specs, value and release date have been revealed – it should value $299 / £249 / AU$499, and includes a 512GB SSD for storage.
Looking to get your palms on an Xbox Series S pre-order? Check out our devoted web page that is checking often for inventory as the console is now available for purchase.