Xbox Series X: Games, specs, price, and how it compares to PS5

We have a clearer picture of what to expect from the Xbox Series X, aside from the types of responses that we can only get if we actually launch and use one (e.g., how well backward compatibility works), including Details like configurations and storage capacity and so on.

The new series logo also appeared thanks to a new “Optimized for Xbox Series X” badge that some games will wear.

The Xbox Series X enters a game that looks very different from its predecessor, the Xbox One X. arrived three years ago. Although it technically competes with other living room consoles (i.e. the PlayStation), in practice, it is now being challenged by extremely popular phone-based mobile games and the game Nintendo Switch Handheld console and emerging cloud gaming options for your entertainment time and money.

What is the Xbox Series X release date and how much does it cost?

Microsoft says it will ship this year, we probably think about the same time as the PS5. In 2013, Xbox One launched a week after PlayStation 4, which came out in mid-November. The company has already set up a notification page that will become the pre-order page when prices are available.

The price is still unknown. The Xbox 360 cost $ 399 when it was launched in the United States in 2005 Xbox One cost $ 499 at launch in 2013, as did the subsequent flagship Xbox One X in 2017. However, delivery restrictions on popular components such as memory and storage were already in place Reportedly affects the PS5 already before Sony was forced to change its advertising plans Due to COVID-19 and bottlenecks, prices are rising without exception. Microsoft continues to say this The launch of the Xbox Series X is not affected. Current According to best estimates, the price is around $ 500 – a little less than its predecessors if you take inflation into account.

In a podcast with IGN On April 1st, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he felt “good” about the price of the new system. “I feel good about the price we can get,” said Spencer. “I feel good about the price and performance that we have for the X series. I feel incredibly strong about the overall package.”

What are the specifications of the Xbox Series X?

The console is based on the latest generation ZenD processor architecture from AMD and a graphics processor with AMD’s upcoming RDNA 2 microarchitecture, which is believed to be based on the Navi 7-nanometer process.

The system’s CPU is a customer-specific Zen 2 processor with eight cores and 3.8 GHz (3.66 GHz with simultaneous multi-threading). The GPU is a user-defined RDNA 2 processor with 1.825 GHz and 52 CUs that generates 12 teraflops. This makes the new console from Microsoft one of the best High-end gaming PCs.

Other hardware includes 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM, a 1 TB SSD, an HDMI 2.1 connection transferred from the previous model, and one optical drive for game discs. The SSD will contain a new feature called Xbox Velocity architecture this allows developers to use up to 100 GB of game assets immediately. There is also a 1TB expansion drive for the system, which offers even more storage space for games and offers the same functionality as the internal SSD.

A proprietary 1TB Seagate expansion drive can be attached to the back of the Xbox Series X and provides additional storage space for games. It has the same architecture as the internal SSD and enables the same performance. External drives can still be used with the Xbox Series X, but they can only store game data and need to transfer games to the SSD or console expansion drive to play.

Not surprisingly, it contains Microsoft DirectX 12 Ultimate, the latest version of the company’s graphics programming interface (in Windows 10), specifically GPU support for DirectX ray tracing and variable rate shading (DXR 1.1). In combination, this allows the Xbox to achieve higher frame rates – 4K resolution at 120 frames per second – with support for variable rate updates when connected to compatible TVs or monitors (i.e. you have one) HDMI 2.1 Connection).

The actual size of the new console is 151 x 151 x 301 mm (approx. 6 x 6 x 12 inches).

With all the updated components, the Xbox Series X seems to be a big step up from its predecessor. The solid-state memory enables faster start of games and shorter loading screen times compared to the previous models. Hard drives, also for older games. While the updated processor has “four times the processing power of Xbox One”, every speed update helps and also applies to all games.

For games that contain it, that is DXR acceleration offers developers the ability to reproduce lighting, shadows, and reflections much more accurately without sacrificing performance and without the otherwise required optimization effort. And VRS Here developers can choose where to save computing power when rendering a frame, based on how important an area is visually and how noticeable a slightly rougher rendering can be. That means games that incorporate it may also be able to achieve higher frame rates with better-looking graphics in selected scenes than would otherwise be the case.

Microsoft brings back Quick Resume, A feature that was introduced about five years ago and then became obsolete. Previously, you were able to put a single game on hold (instead of ending it) and pick it up exactly where you left off. Now you can do this for multiple games.

Do Xbox One and older games work on it?

Microsoft says yes, it goes back to the original Xbox, and many of them will play better and look better thanks to the above upgrades that apply to every game running on the console. Of course, the devil is in the details when it comes to compatibility, so we have to wait for practical trials to find out how far it goes.

In contrast to the transition from previous generations, this should run more smoothly. The new hardware is mostly just faster versions of the previous components, and the latest Xbox One operating system also used DirectX 12 and supported HDMI 2.1, or at least nothing that required emulation or rewriting.

Microsoft has announced at least two new features to improve the experience of running multi-generation games: The aforementioned HDR reconstruction for automatically mapping SDR games to HDR and Smart delivery. When you pay for a game, you get rights to that game for both Xbox One and X Series models and automatically select the correct version. However, this is also optional for developers and publishers, and it is not clear whether this applies to older games that you have already paid for. It also appears to be intended to promote an upgrade from Xbox One to Series X without hindering the purchase of games for the older console: “This technology is available to all developers and publishers and can be used for titles first on Xbox One released and later transferred to Xbox Series X. ”

So far 12 games have announced support for smart delivery, including Microsoft Halo: Infinite, CD Projekt Red’s upcoming science-fiction role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Hellblade 2 and other.

Will there be a new controller too?

Yes, if not radically redesigned as a console and it will be backward compatible with older models. It is based on the current Xbox Elite Wireless However, the model has a revised D-Pad and a share button. Microsoft has also done some work to reduce wireless delay – and thus responsiveness – between the display and controller through what is known as dynamic latency.

The D-Pad, triggers, and bumper also have a tactile matte finish to give the controller a little more grip when playing.

Another aspect where the controller remains the same is the use of AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery. According to Microsoft, this choice was to maintain flexibility for those who want disposable batteries and for those who prefer batteries.

Games? Games!

Microsoft has All 15 studios are working on games for the console, but we had them First significant reveal of third-party games in early May.

In addition to Halo: Infinite, which is expected to be a launch title, we also know a sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice from the Ninja Theory studio. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade that will be exclusive. Here are the notable titles that have been confirmed for the console (those that are available at or near the launch are in bold):

Xbox Game Pass will continue to be the main option for the vault subscription for the console. Although Microsoft has not explicitly mentioned it, the X Series is also likely to offer Xbox console streaming – A feature that allows you to play Xbox One games on your phone that run on your console Currently in preview. You can also transfer games from your console to your PC or mobile device XCloud Project Integration. (With the service, even in beta, you can play Game Pass games on your phone or tablet that run on remote pseudo Xboxes and not on your local console.)

How does the Xbox Series X compare to the PS5?

Overall, the two consoles offer roughly the same specifications in terms of processing power, memory, and new graphics features like ray tracing. The potential performance advantage of the PS5 is the new hardware decompression silicon, which could further accelerate the loading of high-resolution textures. Sony has also revised the now dubbed controller DualSenseto add some fascinating-sounding haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

But games really matter, and we still don’t know much about the PS5’s lineup. Sony was supposed to reveal more during a live stream in early June but was due to Protests against institutionalized racism and violence against blacks in the United States.

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