Note: This article is a world premiere (world embargo) offering an in-depth analysis of the Xbox Series X (first posted November 5th, 15:00). This review will be updated daily with new insights as more games are released and optimized for Xbox Series X (until the official release on November 10, 2020).
Looking for a review of the Xbox Series S? Click here
Microsoft experienced setbacks last generation following certain strategic missteps regarding the Xbox One. While these were subsequently corrected, they resulted in lost time and market share, delaying the Xbox One’s launch in Sweden by a full year. This allowed their main competitor, Sony’s Playstation 4, to gain significant ground. Microsoft responded two years ago with the Xbox One X, the most powerful console on the market at the time. This significantly enhanced many games but arguably became a niche product, targeting hardcore gamers prioritizing superior graphics on multi-platform titles, irrespective of price. The confusingly named Xbox One X and the scaled-down Xbox One S are now being phased out, to be replaced by the new generation Xbox Series S (the “base model,” click the link for the review) and Xbox Series X (the “high-end model”). After spending several weeks with the flagship Series X, we present a comprehensive analysis to aid your next-gen purchasing decision. Let’s dive in.
Technology in Xbox Series X/S
Unlike Sony, which offers two similar Playstation 5 models (with and without a UHD 4K Blu-ray drive), the Xbox Series S and X represent significantly distinct hardware configurations, reflecting different price points and target demographics. Both consoles, aligning with their competitor, move away from AMD’s Jaguar architecture to the latest Zen 2 architecture, a promising development for future performance.
The Xbox Series S serves as the entry-level option, competitively priced at 3 595 SEK. This is achieved by utilizing a slightly less powerful processor, reduced and slower memory (10GB, less than the Xbox One X’s 16GB), omitting the optical UHD 4K drive, and incorporating a 512 GB next-generation NVMe PCI 4.0 SSD. The Series S targets 1440p resolution at 60 fps, with support for up to 120 fps on compatible displays (120 Hz and HDMI 2.1). The console is projected to deliver 4 TFLOPS (teraflops, a metric indicating the graphics processor’s computational capability; a higher value denotes greater performance).
The Xbox Series X is priced higher at 5 695 SEK, offering a faster processor, 60% more RAM (16 GB) with twice the speed, twice the SSD storage (1TB), a more powerful graphics processor with increased parallel processing units, and a UHD 4K Blu-ray drive for disc-based games and movie playback. This console is designed for 4K resolution (2160p) at 60 fps and also supports 120 fps on compatible displays. With a rated 12.15 TFLOPS, the Series X boasts the highest theoretical performance of any console on the market (approximately 20% more teraflops than the PS5 models).
A comparative overview of specifications is provided below (click to enlarge):
As demonstrated, the Xbox Series X offers significantly more processing power for the additional cost. The specifications of the Xbox Series S may appear somewhat underpowered, with a total TFLOPS rating lower than that of the two-year-old Xbox One X (6 TFLOPS). However, the crucial question is whether these metrics translate into tangible real-world benefits, and for whom. This review focuses on the Xbox Series X. We will publish an evaluation of the Xbox Series S in the near future.
Backward Compatibility and New Features
Microsoft’s backward compatibility implementation is commendable. The Xbox One already supported select titles from the original Xbox (launched in 2001) and Xbox 360. The Series S/X continues this approach, offering compatibility with most games from the preceding generation, the Xbox One. This effectively provides access to titles spanning four console generations – a period of nearly 20 years – encompassing thousands of games. While not all games are supported (particularly at launch, with further additions expected), the majority of titles tested exhibited excellent performance (detailed in the Games section below).
The comprehensive backward compatibility allows users to retire their older Xbox consoles (or relocate them to secondary locations). However, it’s important to consider the frequency with which older, non-remastered games are actually played. While this feature represents a value-added benefit, it is not necessarily a primary driver for most consumers, especially those already owning a backward-compatible Xbox One or those able to acquire legacy Xbox consoles at relatively low cost.
A noteworthy feature in the Series S/X is Auto HDR, a technology that adds HDR color and contrast to games lacking native HDR support. High Dynamic Range (HDR) provides a visually significant enhancement for the average user in the Ultra HD 4K era (more information on HDR is available here). While some manufacturers are promoting 8K, resolution increases offer less perceptible improvements for most users (without large-format displays). Furthermore, native 8K content remains scarce, requiring upscaling. Auto HDR noticeably enhances certain games, particularly those with consistent color palettes and high contrast (e.g., the Batman Arkham series). However, incorrect HDR configuration can produce an overly bright and washed-out image, reducing detail in bright areas like skies and clouds. The HDR calibration image on Xbox Series features an autumn scene from Forza Horizon 4, a fitting choice.
New Generation SSD Storage
The latest generation of consoles marks the transition away from mechanical hard drives, which are susceptible to physical damage and performance degradation. In modern gaming, these drives represent a bottleneck, resulting in prolonged loading times. The inclusion of 5400 RPM hard drives in premium consoles as recently as 2018 remains perplexing. The Xbox Series X incorporates a Seagate NVMe PCI 4.0 SSD capable of 2.8 GB/s (gigabytes per second) read speeds for compressed data and 4.8 GB/s for uncompressed data – a 40x improvement over the Xbox One X’s standard hard drive. This, combined with a new chipset and memory management architecture, virtually eliminates loading times for both Series X-optimized and backward-compatible games (see the Games section below).
One potentially outdated design choice is the inclusion of USB-A ports (with 3.1 support), likely to maximize compatibility with existing accessories. However, the inclusion of a USB-C port would have facilitated faster future transfer speeds (perhaps in a future revision, such as a “Series X2”).
Controller Analysis
The controller warrants consideration. While the design remains largely unchanged, it provides a comfortable and responsive experience. Microsoft has incorporated the digital D-pad design from the Elite Controller, and the trigger buttons offer enhanced precision, potentially due to the improved grip provided by the textured surface. The controller continues to use two AA batteries, a design choice that may be divisive. While this facilitates quick battery replacement (assuming charged spares are available), a Li-ion battery pack would offer a more contemporary solution and maintain the controller’s weight. The risk of forgetting to charge the controller is equivalent to the risk of failing to charge spare batteries. Overall, the controller is well-designed, minimizing the need for third-party alternatives like the SCUF Prestige.
Smart Delivery – Unified Game Distribution
Smart Delivery provides a single game release with dynamic patching for each platform (Xbox One, Series X, and S). Purchasing a game for “Xbox” automatically downloads the optimized version for your specific console. This is a streamlined approach, but it raises questions regarding potential limitations for the Series X. Some games, such as Madden 21 and NBA2K21, are being rebuilt for next-generation consoles, with dedicated releases for Xbox Series S/X and PS5 that are incompatible with previous-generation hardware (PS4/XB1). This eliminates the constraints of cross-generation compatibility. However, Microsoft’s policy of no Series X-exclusive games implies that the Series S (which we will evaluate separately) establishes the baseline performance level (Playstation 5 achieves consistent performance across both models). The potential impact of this decision on the Series X’s capabilities remains to be seen. While higher-resolution textures and effects are advantageous, fundamental hardware limitations, such as available memory and its speed, could impose restrictions. We will provide further analysis upon testing the Series S and a wider selection of games.
Xbox Series X – Game Performance
Revisiting Older Games
The Xbox Series X features a 1TB internal SSD utilizing the latest PCIe 4 standard. Microsoft’s new Velocity Architecture facilitates unique interaction between storage and memory, enabling high speeds and Quick Resume (allowing multiple games to run concurrently and switch seamlessly). However, expanding internal storage requires purchasing an officially licensed Seagate expansion, priced at 3 000 SEK per terabyte. While the built-in terabyte offers ample space, 198 GB (nearly 20%) is reserved for system functions (unconfirmed reports suggest the Xbox Series S offers 364 GB of usable storage out of its 512 GB). The internal storage speed may be excessive for backward-compatible games.
We propose two cost-effective alternatives that outperform conventional external hard drives. While it is technically possible to connect older external drives from an Xbox One to the Series X, this can negatively impact the overall experience.
We recommend Kingston SSDs, known for their reliability and price-to-performance ratio. We previously used the KC600 as an internal SSD in the PS4 Pro. The 1TB version is well-suited for backward-compatible games and offers a competitive price. Ensure connectivity via a SATA cable supporting full bandwidth. While standard 2.5″ enclosures are available, their connection limitations can compromise performance. We suggest the StarTech USB 3.1 Gen 2 adapter, enabling up to 10 GB/s transfer speeds (for future upgrades). An open SSD configuration is acceptable, as SSDs lack moving parts and consist of a memory chip encased in plastic. This solution provides significant savings compared to Seagate’s official expansion. Although this is slower and best for backward-compatible titles, you can reserve the internal space for Xbox Series X games.
A faster option is an NVMe SSD in m.2 format (similar in appearance to a DRAM module). The Kingston KC2500 (1TB or larger, depending on budget) is a suitable choice, offering up to 3.5 GB/s read and 2.9 GB/s write speeds. This is close to the internal speeds, although performance is limited by the USB port. Connect the SSD via an NVMe enclosure. The ASUS ROG Strix Arion provides aesthetics, effective cooling, and theoretical 10 GB/s speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2. This configuration costs around 2 000 SEK and offers excellent performance.
The Xbox Series X retains the limitation of connecting only one external storage device via USB at a time. Factor this into your storage planning to avoid insufficient capacity.
What is the actual impact on loading times? A game known for slow loading, such as Final Fantasy XV, loads in approximately 16 seconds from the internal SSD, 17 seconds from NVMe via the ASUS adapter, 20 seconds from the 2.5″ SSD via the StarTech adapter, and 55 seconds from a conventional mechanical hard drive from Seagate (5400 rpm). This represents a significant difference of several hundred percent, affecting all loading instances. Witcher 3, previously plagued by minute-long loading screens after deaths, now loads in under 10 seconds from external SSDs on the Series X. The Xbox Series X effectively leverages high-performance external SSDs, enabling data handling previously unattainable. These improvements bring us closer to the goal of eliminating loading times altogether.
How do the games perform after loading?
Results vary, but are frequently exceptional. The most significant improvements are seen in older games with unlocked frame rates. Witcher 3 is visually impressive in 4K at 60 fps, as are The Vanishing of Ethan Carter and the 2019 remake of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
However, not all games benefit from the Series X’s enhanced performance. Some titles are locked to 30 fps or even unconventional frame rates like 45 fps (Batman Arkham Asylum / Arkham City). Other games already achieved 60 fps on the Xbox One X at high resolutions (typically 1440-1800p, not always 4K). These titles may not see resolution or frame rate increases, but may exhibit improved image quality and post-processing through enhanced anti-aliasing (e.g., Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice). Therefore, focus on overall visual quality rather than solely on resolution and frame rate metrics.
Rainbow Six Siege allows disabling V-Sync, which can result in visual tearing but unlocks the full potential of the hardware. This configuration can achieve frame rates of 120-130 fps, but introduces the risk of image artifacts since V-SYNC synchronizes images vertically.
Many older games exhibit improved visuals (Auto HDR, better details, higher frame rates – in some cases) and faster loading times. However, specific enhancements are not guaranteed, and games that performed poorly on the Xbox One (X) will not automatically achieve flawless 4K resolution and 60-120 fps performance. The extent of improvement depends on the game itself, its compatibility with the Series X, and whether Microsoft or the developers release future patches (Smart Delivery) to optimize the experience beyond basic performance enhancements.
We briefly tested Red Faction II from the original Xbox era. It played well, highlighting the significant advancements in FPS games over the past 18 years. Halo 3 from the Xbox 360 era provided a nostalgic experience (although loading times were comparatively longer). A superior version of Halo 3 is available in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection (available on Game Pass), which will receive an Xbox Series X patch in the future (potentially alleviating the wait for Halo: Infinite).
