The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship console, designed to deliver top-tier gaming performance with stunning 4K visuals, lightning-fast load times, and a massive library of backward-compatible games. Released alongside the less powerful Xbox Series S, the Series X stands as the ultimate choice for gamers seeking the best performance and future-proof gaming. In this review, we’ll explore the design, performance, game library, and key features that make the Xbox Series X a formidable contender in the next-gen console wars.
Design and Build
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Monolithic, and Minimalist
The Xbox Series X sports a minimalist, monolithic design, standing vertically like a compact tower PC. Its matte black finish and simple rectangular shape give it a clean, modern look that fits seamlessly into most entertainment centers. The console measures 15.1 x 15.1 x 30.1 cm and weighs approximately 4.4kg, making it smaller than its appearance suggests, but still a substantial piece of hardware.
The Series X’s design is functional as well as aesthetic. The top of the console features a large, circular vent system with a green accent inside, designed to efficiently dissipate heat and keep the console cool during long gaming sessions. The system can be placed either vertically or horizontally, offering flexibility in how you position it within your setup.
In terms of build quality, the Xbox Series X feels solid and durable. It includes a disc drive for physical media, along with multiple ports for connectivity, including HDMI 2.1, USB 3.1 ports, and Ethernet. The design may not be as bold or flashy as the PlayStation 5, but its sleek, understated appearance appeals to gamers who prefer a more discreet console in their living room.
Performance
Performance: A Powerhouse for 4K Gaming
The Xbox Series X is powered by custom AMD hardware, including an 8-core Ryzen Zen 2 CPU and a RDNA 2 GPU that delivers 12 teraflops of graphical performance. This makes the Series X one of the most powerful gaming consoles ever built, capable of running games at 4K resolution with up to 120 frames per second (fps). The console also supports ray tracing, which greatly enhances lighting, shadows, and reflections in games, making visuals more realistic and immersive.
The performance of the Series X shines in graphically demanding titles like “Forza Horizon 5,” “Halo Infinite,” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” These games not only look stunning in 4K but also benefit from faster load times and smoother frame rates, delivering a seamless gaming experience that feels next-gen.
One of the key features of the Series X is its support for variable refresh rates (VRR) and auto low-latency mode (ALLM), which optimize the display’s refresh rate and reduce input lag, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience. This is particularly beneficial for competitive multiplayer games, where every millisecond counts.
The Xbox Series X also supports 8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, though few games currently take full advantage of these capabilities. However, this future-proofing ensures the console is ready for upcoming advancements in gaming and media technology.
Quick Resume and Storage
Quick Resume and Storage: Seamless Transitions Between Games
The Xbox Series X’s custom 1TB SSD is one of its standout features, offering incredibly fast load times and a smooth overall user experience. The SSD not only allows games to load within seconds but also enables the **Quick Resume** feature, which lets players switch between multiple games almost instantaneously without losing their progress. This feature is a game-changer for those who like to jump between games frequently, as you can pick up exactly where you left off without sitting through long load screens.
However, while the Series X includes a generous 1TB of internal storage, only about 802GB is usable for games and apps due to system software. Given that modern games can exceed 100GB in size, this storage can fill up quickly. Thankfully, the Series X supports **Seagate’s proprietary storage expansion card**, which offers an additional 1TB of storage with the same speed and performance as the internal SSD. External USB drives can also be used to store and play backward-compatible Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox games, though current-gen titles must be transferred to the internal storage to run.
Game Library
Backward Compatibility and Game Pass: A Massive Library at Your Fingertips
One of the Xbox Series X’s biggest selling points is its commitment to backward compatibility. The Series X supports thousands of games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, many of which benefit from faster load times, smoother frame rates, and improved visuals thanks to the new hardware. This makes the Series X a fantastic choice for gamers with an existing library of Xbox games who want to experience them with next-gen enhancements.
Additionally, Microsoft’s **Game Pass** service elevates the Series X’s game library to the next level. For a monthly subscription, players gain access to hundreds of games, including first-party Xbox exclusives, indie titles, and third-party blockbusters. New games are frequently added, and all Xbox Game Studios titles are available on Game Pass the day they launch. This makes the Series X an excellent value for gamers who want a vast selection of games without the need to purchase each one individually.
Notable titles available on Game Pass include “Halo Infinite,” “Forza Horizon 5,” “Gears 5,” “Sea of Thieves,” and “Minecraft.” The combination of backward compatibility and Game Pass ensures that there is never a shortage of games to play on the Series X, whether you’re diving into new releases or revisiting old favorites.
Controller
Controller: Familiar, Yet Refined
The Xbox Series X controller feels familiar, retaining much of the design of the Xbox One controller while introducing a few key improvements. The new controller features a textured grip on the back and triggers, making it more comfortable to hold during long gaming sessions. The **D-pad** has been redesigned to be more responsive, which is especially useful for fighting games or platformers.
One of the more notable additions is the **Share button**, located in the center of the controller, which makes it easy to capture screenshots and record gameplay clips to share with friends or on social media. The controller uses **AA batteries** by default but supports rechargeable battery packs for those who prefer a rechargeable option.
While the Series X controller may not be as revolutionary as the PS5’s DualSense, it’s a solid and refined design that many Xbox players will appreciate for its familiarity and comfort. The controller is also backward compatible with the Xbox One, ensuring that existing controllers can still be used with the Series X.
Key Takeaways
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick breakdown of the strengths and limitations of the Xbox Series X:
Conclusion
Conclusion: A True Powerhouse for Gaming Enthusiasts
The Xbox Series X is an impressive next-gen console that delivers on its promise of powerful performance, ultra-fast load times, and a vast library of games. With its support for 4K gaming, backward compatibility, and access to Game Pass, the Series X is an excellent choice for both new gamers and longtime Xbox fans looking for the ultimate gaming experience.
While it may not have launched with as many exclusive titles as its competitors, the Xbox Series X is future-proofed for upcoming releases and gaming advancements. If you’re looking for a console that combines raw power, incredible value through Game Pass, and a seamless gaming experience, the Xbox Series X is a top-tier choice for next-gen gaming.
