Xbox Series X Review – Tech Stunt

Microsoft’s new Xbox X series console is designed to usher in a new era of gaming. It could also be called a new generation, as it is a huge leap forward in terms of consoles that promises new games and things that were not available before. Xbox’s X series will certainly achieve this over time.

Image source : Border

The console has a matte black finish, except for the power button with the Xbox logo and some subtle green accents adorning the large convex opening on top of the console. Microsoft has housed all the components of the Xbox X series in a rectangular tower-shaped enclosure. The base of the Xbox Series X is not removable and the console is not intended to be opened.

It has two USB ports on the back with an Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 output, USB port, storage expansion slot and a 4K Blu-ray player on the front. Raised Braille cones near the Xbox Series X ports, a nice touch for easy access. Unfortunately, the Xbox X series does not have a USB-C port and does not support Wi-Fi 6, which would certainly be a good addition.

The exhaust fan is located at the top, next to the green cover in the plastic sleeve, which gives the impression that there is an LED at the top. The exhaust fan runs quietly and can be heard from behind. The heat coming from above is identical to that of the Xbox One X exhaust, and it doesn’t get too hot to touch either.

New to the Xbox X series are the controller and memory expansion cards. The updated controller is identical to the Xbox One version, with an improved D-pad, textured grips, a new share button and a USB-C port. The share button lets you share short clips or screenshots, just like in the PS4. However, you’ll need to purchase a separate game and charging kit for $24.99 if you want to use the USB-C port, and the controller also runs on AA batteries by default.

Image source : CNet

Multimedia

The X-Series offers a range of multimedia features. For example, the console has a built-in 4K Blu-ray player that is very easy to use. You’ll also have access to many streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix and others that are available on existing Xbox One consoles, as well as new streaming services like Apple TV and regional apps like Sky Go in the UK and Hulu in the US. These streaming services can benefit from the UHD 4K console. Nevertheless, some of them require a large internet connection.

Xbox App

The new Xbox app for iOS and Android is an enhanced version of the companion app that gives you more control than ever before. You can manage storage on Xbox consoles, chat with friends on Xbox or PC, share videos and game screenshots, and easily access games remotely. The application can also be used as a remote control for your console, useful for multimedia services. You can even easily access and check our Xboxes while on the go.

Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series S
Image Source : The New York Times

Smart delivery

This feature ensures that gamers always have access to a well-tested version of the Xbox game, regardless of the console they are playing on. It’s kind of a combination of forward and backward compatibility.

Support for Dolby Vision

Microsoft is undoubtedly the only manufacturer of next-generation consoles to introduce Dolby Vision, an additional HDR-compatible format that offers premium contrast and color accuracy. As for content, you can watch movies and series on Netflix in Dolby Vision (if you purchase a premium subscription) or via Dolby Vision 4K Blu-ray, or watch them in games like Gears 5.

Dolby Vision has a higher standard than HDR10, which means 12-bit color support. This allows the console to display about 68.7 billion colors, more than the 10-bit HDR format could display. However, the appearance of these colors depends on your TV set, which means it must support Dolby Vision.

Fast recovery

Quick Resume is a great feature that allows you to resume playback in seconds. This way you don’t have to sit on the loading screens for a while. You can also switch from one game to another after blocking for a few seconds.

While Microsoft has not indicated whether there is a limit to the number of games that can be suspended at a time, it states that suspending more than four games begins to affect the device. It was also found that if more than four games were stacked in the suspension, some had to be fully reloaded, with the console closing the first game open.

image source: technical radar

Backward compatibility

There are about 1,000 games available for downlink, which means it will be hard to find an older game that is not supported in the X-series. These games have been found to load quickly and play well. Better stability means a slight drop in frame rate, so older games are satisfying to play, even if they’re already surpassed by the latest blockbuster standards.

This feature also applies to Xbox accessories. The original Xbox Series 2 Wireless Controller and Elite Xbox Series 2 Wireless Controller connect to Xbox Series Xs of any complexity, as well as headphones. Any licensed Xbox One accessory that connects via a wired or wireless USB connection must work with X-Series Xboxes.

Supports DTS and Dolby Atmos

Windows Sonic headphones are installed by default on the Xbox X series. X Series speakers also support Dolby Atmos and DTS headphones: X-Sound, but you must purchase a separate license for each. Windows Sonic is suitable for people who are not too worried about noise. Dolby Atmos and DTS, however, offer enhanced surround sound. If you play a multiplayer online game, you can benefit from one of these devices, especially since you don’t need a special headset to work. However, to use Dolby Atmos, you must have a compatible soundbar. Additionally, they only work effectively with games that support Dolby Atmos or DTS audio.

Image source : Tom’s Guide

Microsoft boasts that the X series is the fastest and most powerful Xbox in the world. That’s for sure. The X-Series is designed on the Xbox One X to provide an experience almost on par with a PC, even as a home console. And this is evidenced by the emphasis on three key aspects: Resolution, frame rate and loading time.

The introduction of NVMe SSDs really opens up the world of console gaming, whether it’s downloading a game or playing a game. Copying data via an optical disk is very fast. However, one of the main advantages of the game is that games with a fast race end up being just as fast. Velocity Architecture’s high-performance architecture works effectively with Quick Resume attachments. This allows you to very quickly switch to a game you have already played.

The improved resolution of the X series does not affect gameplay. However, if you try to replace your old console with something other than Xbox One X, you will experience native 4K on the console for the first time.

Image source : Top

Auto HDR is also exceptionally good, and it’s very, very easy to set up. The same goes for the others. Experience breathtaking ray tracing in some games for precise reflections, lighting and shadows.

The frame rate is the real sticking point. Still, 60 fps is quickly becoming the expected standard for the next generation of consoles. The optimized X Gears 5 runs at 60 frames per second in campaign mode and it’s fun to play with smooth, engaging animations. Once you activate the multiplayer mode, the speed increases to 120 frames per second thanks to the 120Hz support. However, the difference is not as obvious as when you go from 30 to 60 frames per second.

Gears 5, however, is an unusual case at launch. Several sets that support 120 Hz lower the target resolution by 4K millimeter to a lower resolution. This will be an acceptable compromise for some, especially online where improved animation can make the difference between a headshot or a return to spawning. You can get 4K 60fps as the standard for offline gaming for the rest of the console’s lifecycle.

To enjoy the full X-Series, you need to buy a relatively new TV. The Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 120 Hz support depends on whether you have a TV with support for HDMI 2.1, which has been the benchmark for 4K devices for about a year, but not before.

Image source : Border

For storage, the 1TB Xs Series SSD takes up about 802 GB of usable space. The space is larger than on the PS5, but still relatively small considering the size of some current games. SSDs are expensive, so 802 GB is a decent amount considering the price of the console. However, if you need more space, you have the option to expand with owner cards, but you have to be willing to spend more. The version currently available at launch offers an additional 1 TB (920 GB) for $220.

Another option is to use an external drive. But you won’t be able to play X-series optimized games from one, but you can save them for later. All you can do is play non-optimized Xbox One and backwards compatible games from any USB 3.0 drive.

Image source : Xbox thread

The Xbox Series X controller has a matte finish and is available in black. The housing and buttons are relatively easy to press. It has textured handles on the back of the pad. They work well for triggers and bumpers and have an exceptional texture on the palms, especially when your hands get warmer.

The most important change is the new D-Pad. It goes along with the traditional cross shape with rounded diagonals found on Microsoft Elite controllers. It’s tactile and responsive, but the clicks are a little loud. There’s also a new share button that lets you quickly record game clips. Well, that was an expected inclusion, as we’ve seen with Sony and Nintendo laptops. Whether it’s a quick tap for a screenshot or a pause for a video recording, you don’t want to miss any of these game-changing moments.

Controller : Xbox X and Xbox S
series source image: The New York Times

It also has four faceted buttons, view, menu and Xbox buttons, two bumpers, two shutter buttons and two thumbs. It also has an expansion port, a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom, and even a USB-C port and pairing button on the top. As for the battery, Microsoft wants players to power their game consoles with two AA batteries. This is an odd option, meaning your joystick won’t run out of power often, but you’ll have to buy and replace the batteries every few months. You can also plug the power cable into the USB-C port, buy a game and charging kit for $24.99, or purchase multiple batteries.

The Xbox Wireless Controller for the X series is a good piece. In some ways it is better designed and built than its predecessors, but its form and function are almost identical.

The Xbox Series X is a great device with a lot of potential. It is ready and well prepared for exactly the next generation of games that will be released very soon. We are confident that within a few months the Xbox X series will showcase the true power of the next generation.

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