With great specs comes this superb machine with a dramatic load time and an enhanced overall performance capability. The device has critical features like Quick Functioning, Smart Delivery, and the efficient backward compatibility feature. The only thing lacking is the UI functionality and launch titles.
The next-gen Xbox Series X is a super-fast machine and is quiet and delivers efficient performance. That level of performance was earlier seen only in high-end gaming PCs. It is totally unlike a gaming PC- with a price at $499 / £449 / AU$749. The device has an efficient console that is technically superb, has low load times, and enhanced visual features. Add to that the multitude of features that makes the gameplay experience more enjoyable.
The Xbox Series X falters in-game title scenario. Gamers would be disappointed with the lack of ‘compulsory’ exclusive game titles or any new titles that would fascinate them. However, the device makes up for this with the Xbox Game Pass. A subscription to this Game Pass enables the gamer to access a massive collection of games for a simple monthly fee. Even though the Game Pass mostly has older game titles, most of them are optimized to take advantage of the package’s hardware.
Design and Look
The Xbox Series X has a straight upright tower design which can be placed horizontally too. The game console measures 15.1 x 15 x 30.1cm and weighs 4.45kg. It is cuboid-shaped and colored matte black with a green hue striped inside the indented cooling vents.
The design is enhanced by the signature Xbox power button located on the top-left side. There is a disc drive towards the bottom-left side and a pairing button and USB 3.2 port located at the bottom right. The console’s rear end has cooling vents, HDMI 2.1 output port, two USB 3.2 ports, a networking port, a storage expansion slot, and a power input port. A distinctive feature of the console is that every port has definite tactile indicators that let the user know which port they are accessing.
The console sides are blank with a discrete Xbox logo only located on the left side corner and four rubber pads towards the right side. The bottom of the console has an elevated disc-shaped stand and vents to cool off the device. The Xbox Series X console is minimalistic and sleek in looks, and despite the magnum size, it looks smaller than other Xboxes.
Quiet Machine
A distinctive characteristic of the Xbox Series X is the quietness of it. Consoles generally output a colossal sound, but not with this Xbox Series X. On the home screen, the console outputs around 30dB sound – like a whisper, and during gaming, it’s just a fraction up from that. However, during installations of more extensive updates, the machine recorded sound levels of 45dB.
UI and dashboard
The UI and dashboard of the Xbox Series X underwent simple changes than its predecessor. It is much similar to the Xbox One. The UI has a tiled layout backed by customizable pins. It enables the gamers to choose the apps and games they want to see when they switch on the console. Also, the UI offers easy access to all the apps, games, and chat features, all in one place! The Xbox Series X dashboard, too, is easy to navigate.
Functioning
The Xbox Series X device is an excellent powerhouse with an eight-core AMD Zen 2 processor that runs efficiently at 3.8GHz. There is also the RDNA 2 AMD GPU, 16GB GDDR6 memory, and a 1TB Custom NVMe SSD.
- A striking feature of the Xbox Series X is the faster loading periods. It loads games and apps faster, in few seconds.
- The Xbox Series X’s rDNA 2 GPU also enables the console to target 4K resolution at 60fps, though it supports up to 120fps. To enable the 120fps, the gamer will have to delve into the console’s audio and visual settings and change the frame rate and resolution points.
- The Series X device also enables calibration of HDR for efficient gaming.
- The 1TB Custom NVMe SSD of the Series X device transforms to 802GB of usable storage and 198GB reserved for the system files and the OS. Gamers can use the Seagate Storage Expansion Card to utilize features like Quick Resume and game titles more proactively.
Xbox Series X Console: Controller
The Xbox Series X Controller has a matte finish with enhanced tactile textures and an ergonomic look for a good grasp and comfortable playing experience. The only change is the addition of the ‘Share’ button and the hybrid D-pad. Otherwise, the controller has the same 3.5mm audio jack and the expansion port located at the bottom, with a USB charge port and pairing buttons on the top and the View, Menu, and Xbox buttons located at the face. The controller is also upgraded in functionality with Xbox Series X headset to play Xbox Series X games.
Quick Resume
The Quick Resume’s distinctive feature allows the gamer to play a game from a suspended state immediately. As such, the gamer can switch back to a game from where they have left off without having to load screens again. One can also switch between multiple games with this feature.
Smart Delivery
With this feature, one can always access the best possible games and versions of an Xbox game on any console. Gamers can access games both from Xbox Series X on the Xbox One S without any hassles and purchase the two versions of the same game title.
The Xbox Series X also gives access to several multimedia features like 4K Blu-ray player, Dolby Vision support, DTS and Dolby Atmos support, Xbox App (for iOS and Android) and Xbox Series X optimized games.
The Xbox Series X is an optimized version of Xbox with many exciting game titles and useful gamers’ features.
