The Xbox Series X is the successor to Microsoft’s Xbox One video game console. The Series X is a totally new console with an exclusive library of games that won’t work on the older consoles (but don’t worry, there are many games that can be played instead).
When Was the Xbox Series X Released?
The Xbox Series X became available worldwide on November 10, 2020. Its sister console, the Xbox Series S, was released the same day.
The Series X is fast-loading with truly stellar graphics. We tested it out and were impressed with it over the PS5.
Xbox Series X Pricing
The Xbox Series X is priced at $499. While that’s how much it will cost to buy the system outright, it isn’t your only option.
In addition to the standard pricing of $499 to buy an Xbox Series X outright, Microsoft is also offering a bundled deal with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play. With this deal, qualified buyers will receive an Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and EA Play for a monthly fee of $34.99 per month. This deal will come with a two-year contract, and you will own the console if you fulfill all of the payments.
Gamers who purchased their Xbox One through Xbox All Access, and are still making payments, may have an option to trade their Xbox One in for an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S and take advantage of the new deal.
The Latest News About Xbox Series X
You can get more gaming news from Lifewire about the Xbox Series X, other systems, games, and a variety of other related topics. Here are some of the latest stories involving the Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox Series X Features
In addition to the basics, like local and online gaming, the Xbox Series X supports these features:
- 4K UHD gamingHDR TVGamepass Ultimate including EA PlayUHD Blu-ray playerOnline store with games and moviesBackwards compatibility with Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox OneA variety of streaming appsTactile indicators over the ports
Gamepass Ultimate is one of Microsoft’s key feature for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. This subscription service provides access to over 100 games, and you can play on your Xbox console, Windows 10 PC, or even stream to your phone.
Xbox Series X Specifications and Hardware
The Xbox Series X is a powerful gaming rig with impressive hardware. It packs in a 1TB NVME SSD, which is even faster than standard solid-state drives that use a standard SATA connection. This isn’t exactly the flashiest tech, but the difference in load times between a standard hard drive and an NVME SSD is like night and day.
In addition to the lightning-fast NVME SSD, the Xbox Series X also supports easily swappable 1TB expansion cards and USB 3.2 external drives, so you won’t have to sacrifice storage capacity for speed.
In terms of processing power and graphics, the Series X is a beast. It supports true 4K gaming, with potential for 8K in the future, up to 120 FPS, and 12 teraflops of power in a GPU capable of ray tracing.
Xbox Series X Games and Backwards Compatibility
Microsoft and third party publishers have plans to release some games for both the Xbox Series X and the Xbox One during the transition to the next generation, with the Xbox Series X games providing smoother game play, shorter load times, and better graphics. Many games, however, are exclusive to the Xbox Series X/S.
This video is a fun look at some Xbox Series X enhanced games.
Microsoft has gone hard on backward compatibility with each of their consoles, and the Xbox Series X is no different. The console supports backward compatibility for all three previous console generations: Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Furthermore, the new console supports every single Xbox One game, and you can even play Xbox One games that are installed on an external hard drive immediately on swapping the drive from an Xbox One to an Xbox Series X.
The Xbox Series X supports cross-generation multiplayer games. That means you can play games like Halo Infinite with your friends even if you have upgraded to the Xbox Series X while they are still using an Xbox One.
If you want to play your physical Xbox One or Xbox 360 game discs, you’ll need the Xbox Series X. The driveless Xbox Series S won’t be able to play game discs, although it will be compatible with downloaded Xbox One games.
The Xbox Series X Controller
If you’re familiar with the Xbox One and One S controller, then the Xbox Series X controller won’t throw you any curveballs. The controller is extremely similar to its predecessor, right down to the use of easily-replaceable AA batteries in lieu of a battery pack or permanently-installed battery. The biggest difference is the inclusion of a dedicated Share button that’s designed for grabbing video clips and screenshots.
The other notable difference is the Xbox Series X d-pad has been redesigned. The surface of the pad itself is cupped and angled like the Xbox One Elite controller but is also just a bit smaller and has slightly different curves for what Microsoft says will be improved ergonomics.
Since the differences are so small, you can actually use your Xbox One controllers with the Xbox Series X and your Xbox Series X controller with the Xbox One. The Xbox Series X controller is also really easy to use with Windows 10.
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